Warmer (ish) weather means weight restrictions back

Beginning next Monday, March 9, roads around the Township of Uxbridge, as well as throughout Durham Region will once again be under weight restrictions because of the spring thaw.

Photo by Amy Bishop

According to a news release from the Region, weight restrictions are needed to prevent damage to roads. In the spring, frozen roads start to thaw, causing the pavement on some roads to temporarily lose strength and become unable to support vehicles heavier than 5,000 kilograms or five tonnes per axle.

Signs will be placed on all regional roads where motor vehicle weight restrictions apply. The region asks that, for more information, refer to the complete map found at durham.ca/WeightRestrictions.

Most public utility and emergency vehicles are exempt from the weight restrictions.

The weight restrictions will be in place from March 9 to April 30, weather depending. The release says the final day may be adjusted following periodic reviews of road and weather conditions at the end of weight restriction season.

The Regional Municipality of Durham and local area municipalities restrict the operation of motor vehicles on designated roads during the spring weight restriction season, as per the Highway Traffic Act and Regional By-law 26-2018.