Farmers with permits exempt from spring road bans

Times Reporter         

 

As of April 1 farmers transporting grain from storage to elevators will be exempt from vehicle weight restrictions on provincial highways. The farmers will be able to obtain permits to haul grain when highway road bans are in effect, and the permits will be available at no cost, allowing 100 per cent axle weight on banned roads, as long as the roads are not damaged in the process. 

“We’re doing all we can to support Alberta famers and keep grain moving, even on banned roads when possible,” said Minister of Transportation Wayne Drysdale in a press release. 

“Relaxing road ban limits at a time when our farmers need some flexibility is the right thing to do.”

Spring thaw can be rough on Alberta roads, especially oiled roads and those waiting for final paving to be completed. Because of this, road bans are sometimes necessary to protect the infrastructure at its weakest. The bans generally begin in southern Alberta and make their way north as temperatures rise. The bans are lifted once Alberta Transportation staff is able to determine the roads will be able to handle regular vehicle weight.  

“Agriculture is Alberta’s largest renewable industry and part of the foundation of our rural economy. I am very pleased producers, municipalities and our government are working together with other links in the supply chain to ensure that grain will keep moving to market this spring,” said Verlyn Olsen, minister of agriculture and rural development in the same release. 

The special permits are in effect from April 1 until June 30. During that time Alberta Transportation staff will be monitoring road conditions and suggesting alternate routes if necessary to keep motorists safe and to protect high infrastructure. 

Alberta’s agricultural exports are valued at more than $9 billion annually. In 2013 the western Canadian harvest produced an estimated 75.9 million metric tonnes of major grain crops, nearly 40 per cent more than the five-year average.

How to apply for a road ban exemption

• Get a permit request form by contacting Alberta Transportation’s Central Permit Office toll free at 1-800-662-7138 from 6 a.m. to midnight on weekdays, and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends and statutory holidays.

• Complete the form by providing information on the trip’s origin, destination, route, trucks covered, weights requested, number of loads required and contact information.

• Get the road ban exemption if the route can withstand your proposed traffic without significant damage according to engineers and regional maintenance staff.

• Contact the local municipality directly for a permit to haul grain on municipal roads.