Quebec to study feasibility of self-steering lift axles, higher weights on quads

QUEBEC CITY (June 30, 1999) — Don’t expect Quebec to match Ontario’s plan to allow four axles and 34,400 kilograms on a 53-foot semi-trailer any time soon, according to a Transport Quebec policy analyst advising on vehicle weights and dimensions regulations.

“We have received some inquiries from the industry on this, and I would expect interest in Quebec to accelerate following Ontario’s announcement,” said Gilles Gonthier of Transport Quebec. “Although it is very, very early to take a position, we are considering a proposal to increase weight on a quad to 34,000 kg, but we have concerns about self-steering axles and other harmonization issues with Ontario that we must satisfy.”

Gonthier said the province would begin an 18-month study of the safety and feasibility of self-steering lift axles starting in October. Quebec, which amended its size and weight regulations just last November, does not allow semi-trailers longer than 15.5 metres (50 feet, 10 inches) to operate with lift axles. Currently, the maximum weight Quebec allows on a four-axle grouping is 32,000 kg.

On Monday, transport regulators from Ontario unveiled a plan to permit the use of 53-foot semi-trailers with a four-axle grouping. The proposed changes, which would apply to 53-foot single semi-trailers only, would be restricted to a one-three axle configuration — typically a liftable self-steering axle ahead of a tridem, with load equalization across all four axles.

The allowable weight would be consistent with current rules governing one-three quads on 48-foot semi-trailers: 32,000 kg when the tridem spread is from 3.0 to 3.6 metres, and 34,400 kg when the spread is between 3.6 and 3.7 metres.

The configuration would be allowed on a permit-only basis for one year. Applicants would be screened for a satisfactory safety record.

Gonthier added that were Quebec to harmonize its rules on 53-foot quads with those proposed by Ontario, Quebec also would expect compatibility on gross weights allowed on tandem and tridem axle groupings.

“We’d want a package deal,” he said. “On tandems, 18,000 kg, on tridems, 26,000 kg. And, of course, we would want to be satisfied that lift axles, especially those with single tires, would be acceptable.”