HALIFAX — Mild weather is prompting Nova Scotia’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal to consider early spring weight restrictions to protect provincial roads.

Each year, the department places restrictions on heavy trucks during spring thaw to help protect roads weakened by mild and wet weather.

“Weight restrictions will be implemented if the weather becomes warm enough to leave our roads susceptible to damage from heavy vehicles,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Murray Scott. “If the current trend of mild weather continues, spring weight restrictions could take effect within a week.”

The exact date for spring weight restrictions depends on weather conditions and may be implemented at any time. If road conditions permit, the restrictions will be removed.

The trucking industry will be given as much notice as possible concerning weight restrictions, the ministry says. Improved road-monitoring stations installed by the department in recent years allow for better adjustment of the timing of weight restrictions around the province.

“This helps us target our restrictions to best assist the trucking industry and the businesses that rely on it,” said Scott. Should weight restrictions be imposed, a complete list of roads that are exempt will be published in major newspapers across the province.