WINNIPEG — Heavy truck loads will be allowed this spring in more areas of Manitoba as a result of upgrades to major highways and bridges.

When temperatures rise and the frost comes out of the ground, restrictions are placed on truck weight limits on some roads as the roadbed is not as strong during the spring and could be damaged by heavy loads.

In addition, due to their age or initial design some roads cannot support heavy truck loads at any time, says the province.

“Manitoba is a major trade route and our significant funding increases to upgrade our highways and bridges are now helping trucking firms, industries and farmers reduce hauling costs so they can operate more efficiently,” adds Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashton.

As part of Manitoba’s highway and bridge renewal strategy, increased funding has been directed toward highway and bridge upgrades, which now means greater weights can be allowed on a number of roads, Ashton notes.

As well, some roads that previously had weight restrictions in the spring will no longer have the reduced limits. Changes will be made this spring to allow the heaviest truck loads year-round for: more than 120 km of Hwy. 68, from Hwy. 6 to 5; more than 110 km of Hwy. 83, from Russell to south of Swan River; and an additional 43 km of Hwy. 8 near Gimli, as soon as a construction project there is completed.

As well, previous spring weight restrictions will be removed on: 26 km of Hwy. 3, from Crystal City to La Rivière; 21 km of Hwy. 3, from Melita to Medora; all of Hwy. 57; and three km of Hwy. 264, near Rossburn.

“Our industry sees this as a positive step forward in renewing our infrastructure,” says Bob Dolyniuk, executive director of the Manitoba Trucking Association. “These improvements will lower operating costs for our members and allow them to operate more efficiently and help reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.”