Under the Highway Traffic Act, (section 122 – reduced load periods) the province enforces reduced load restrictions on trucks to protect Ontario’s highways during spring thaw, when road damage is most likely to occur.
The seasonal load restrictions come into effect mid-March and can last in various parts of the province until the end of May.
In a reminder yesterday to the industry on X, MTO is promoting available information to fleets and drivers on the spring load reductions as well as highlighting that reduced load limit signage will be posted on all affected roads.
Reduced limits typically restrict axle weights to no more that 5,000 kg per axle and cover not only provincially controlled roads, but also regional and municipal roads where signage is posted.
For complete information on MTO seasonal load restrictions OTA members are encouraged to visit MTO’s dedicated webpage by clicking here, as well as the Ontario 511 app where filters can be enabled.
As the season progresses, carriers are encouraged to review the restrictions on a regular as their end dates will vary depending on geographic location and conditions and as determined by roadway engineering teams.