Spring may come early for Nova Scotia road network

HALIFAX (Feb. 15) — With wet conditions and the lack of frost in the ground wreaking havoc with highway surfaces, transport officials in Nova Scotia may enact spring weight restrictions for heavy vehicles earlier than usual.

“The Dept. of Transportation and Public Works doesn’t usually impose spring weight restrictions until the middle of March,” said Minister Clifford Huskilson. “I am consulting with my district directors, and the department is currently monitoring the situation,” said Huskilson. “It may be necessary to begin imposing spring weight restrictions on some roads within a week or two.”

He added that with frost is leaving the ground earlier than usual, the department may have no choice but to put early spring weight restrictions in place to prevent the deterioration of some roads.

The minister has the right to revise restriction zones, weight restrictions, and the list of roads exempted, as conditions warrant. Due to the type of traffic, certain roads can deteriorate more rapidly. Heavy-truck traffic tends to cause the most damage during periods when the ground beneath roads is wet and frost free.