Seasonal load restrictions in effect for heavy vehicles serving Ottawa

Beginning on Monday, March 9, seasonal load restrictions will be in effect. 

Commercial vehicles or trailers with a gross vehicle weight in excess of five tonnes or 11,000 pounds per axle will be prohibited on roads where restriction signage is posted, and on all truck routes identified as restricted on the Urban Truck Routes and Rural Truck Routes lists. These restrictions also apply to all non-truck routes. 

During the spring thaw period, some roads cannot withstand heavy-vehicle loads. Every year, the City monitors thaw progression by using the forecast temperature data to calculate the Thaw Index. When the Thaw Index reaches its threshold value, load restrictions are imposed. Heavy vehicles that exceed weight limits on restricted-load roadways during the spring thaw period will be subject to fines.

Once the pavement strength has been restored, load restrictions will be removed.

New: The seasonal load restrictions webpage now includes an interactive map that allows users to explore the truck route network in detail. Users can click on specific road segments for more information or zoom in to a particular address or intersection. The map shows the status of each road segment affected by seasonal load restrictions.