Province and SARM introduce road ban exemptions for agriculture

To help lessen the impacts of many challenges in the provincial agriculture sector, the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) have worked together to lift spring road bans for priority goods. 

“We have been working with SARM and the RMs to provide consent to determine which roads can handle secondary weights,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Greg Ottenbreit said. “At the same time, we will work with these municipalities to monitor roads to prevent unnecessary road damage.” 

“This measure will help producers finish last year’s harvest, market last year’s crop and get this year’s crop in the ground,” Agriculture Minister David Marit maintained. “We know that the agriculture sector is under pressure and we are here to assist our producers.” 

Producers are currently in need of critical supplies such as seed, fuel and fertilizer. 

“We are encouraging RMs to work with highway officials to determine whether or not to allow the same weights on their local roads,” stated SARM President Ray Orb. “This will be important to ensure trucks have access to farms and other facilities once they leave provincial highways.” 

Providing higher weight limits will require close monitoring by highway and municipal officials to ensure that if conditions changes or if road damage occurs, weight restrictions can be re-applied to ensure road safety – and minimize the need for costly repairs. 

Shippers are reminded to check in to ensure they understand what restrictions are in place on provincial roads at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/transportation-and-road-construction/information-for-truckers-and-commercial-trucking-companies/regulations-and-road-restrictions/increased-weights-and-road-restrictions. 

Official spring restriction orders are issued every Tuesday and Friday by 12:30 p.m. (CST) during the ban period. For this year only, there will be no permit requirements for priority goods. Routes will be determined in collaboration with local authorities based on local conditions.