REGINA — Truckers traveling Saskatchewan highways re being advised to keep an eye on the province’s spring road bans, which are now in effect.

“In springtime, many roads are vulnerable to soft spots and surface cracks as the frost comes out of the roadbed,” says Highways and Infrastructure Minister Wayne Elhard. “Spring road bans are a tool that the province and rural municipalities have used for decades to mitigate damage to infrastructure during this sensitive period.”

The ministry has an up-to-date interactive map on its website (www.highways.gov.sk.ca) which details where road bans are in place or have been lifted. The map also provides information on special year-round weight restrictions across the province.

The winter weight season for Saskatchewan roads officially ended March 14. During the most fragile spring thaw period – typically six weeks – spring road bans reduce normal weights by 10 to 15 percent.

Spring road bans typically come into effect near the end of March. The bans usually move in a north easterly fashion as warmer temperatures spread across the province.

As a result of weather patterns, Manitoba has delayed implementation of its spring road restrictions until at least March 19. When Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation decides on a date to implement Spring Road Restrictions, 48-hour notice will be given.

Updates are listed at: www.gov.mb.ca/tgs/transreg/compreg/springrestrict.html.