Peace region load restrictions now in effect 24 hours a day

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Ministry of Transportation and Transit has revised the current load restrictions for the Peace region.

Weight restrictions for truckers on some roads in the North and South Peace are now in effect 24 hours a day, the ministry said in a release.

The restrictions were previously in effect from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., allowing truckers to complete night trips without restrictions.

The restrictions are part of the ministry’s Seasonal Strength Loss Program. It said the restrictions are in place to protect roads and highways which have been identified as roads that have been weakened by an excessive build-up of water in the base. 

The restrictions affect the weight of loads drivers are allowed to haul on those roads. 

Drivers are only permitted to carry 75 per cent of their total load on a number of roads, including Beatton River Airport Road from Alaska Highway 97 north to kilometre 74. 

Drivers can carry 100 per cent of their load on all provincial numbered roads that are either paved or gravel. 

Other select roads allow drivers to carry 100 per cent of their load, including West Bypass Road 145, from the Fort St. John city limits to Rose Prairie Road 101.

All side roads within the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality are exempt from the restriction, the release says. 

Truck drivers who are impacted by the restrictions may be required to reduce loads, adjust roads or make more trips. 

More information on restrictions can be found on the ministry’s website.