REGINA — In an attempt to move more freight faster, Saskatchewan is adding 1,200 km of “primary weight” roadway to its highway network.

In an effort to redirect heavier traffic away from smaller streets and onto major highways, the Ministry of Highways and Transportation is designating more highway surface for heavier loads.

According to the Moose Jaw Times-Herald, the move, which takes effect July 1st, will generate about $18 million annual for the provincial economy since shippers and carriers can operate more efficiently by using the same units to haul larger loads.

Currently, the maximum weight for a standard five-axle, tractor trailer combo on a “secondary” highway is 34,500, while trucks can load up to 39,500 kg when traveling on primary roads and highways.

The province has about 6,400 km of secondary roads — or “thin membrane surface” roads, which were converted from gravel roads to highways in the 1950s and ’60s using a thin layer of asphalt.

The ministry said it currently has no plans to upgrade additional kilometres of TMS roads to primary roads.

— from the Moose Jaw Times-Herald