HALIFAX, N.S. — The annual ritual of spring weight restrictions on Nova Scotia roads will begin across the province at 12:01 a.m. on Mar. 4.

Restrictions for trucks are announced each year during the spring-thaw period to help protect roads weakened by wet, spring weather.

“I want to thank the trucking industry in advance for its co-operation,” says Nova Scotia Transportation Minister Ron Russell. “I’m also asking that other motorists drive with caution this spring, because we know thawing conditions can cause considerable damage to roads.”

A detailed ad will be published in newspapers tomorrow and Mar. 2 to list all roads exempt from the restrictions. Information will also be posted on the department’s Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/tran.

Spring weight restrictions are usually removed by late April or early May depending on weather conditions.