Quebec City, Que. — Quebec’s Ministry of Transport has published its spring-thaw restrictions, which take effect on Mar. 12.

The ministry breaks the province into three zones.

In zone one, the restrictions begin at 12:01 a.m. on Mar. 12, and end at 12:01 a.m. on May 5. During that time, the load limit on a triple axle or an equivalent group of axles is 22,000kg.

Zone one comprises the vast majority of urbanized Quebec, stretching from the Ontario border north of Hull, Que., south along the U.S. border and north again to roughly Riviere-du-Loup.

In zone two, the restrictions begin at 12:01 a.m. on Mar. 19, and end at 12:01 a.m. May 19. During that time, the load limit on a single axle in front of a triple axle is 30,000kg.

Zone two consists of roughly the northern third of the province, stretching from Rouyn-Noranda across the province to the Labrador border. It also includes the Gaspe Peninsula and the lower St. Lawrence River.

In zone three, the restrictions begin at 12:01 a.m. on Mar. 24, and end at 12:01 a.m. on May 25. During that time, the load limit on a single axle in front of a triple axle is 30,000kg.

Zone three is basically the entire northern frontier of the province.

The ministry notes that the restrictions may start earlier and end later, depending on weather conditions.

For further information, including the exact details of the zones and restrictions, contact the Ministry of Transport at 514-873-2605.