The Government of Saskatchewan, along with the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), are working together to lift spring road bans for priority goods to help lessen the impact of COVID-19 on the province’s ag sector.

Agriculture Minister David Marit said that the action will help producers finish last year’s harvest, market last year’s crop, and get this year’s crop in the ground.

“We know that the agriculture sector is under pressure and we are here to assist our producers,” said Marit.

Producers are currently in need of essential supplies such as seed, fuel, and fertilizer, and SARM President Ray Orb, says he hopes that RM’s work with highway officials to determine whether or not to allow different weights on local roads.

“This will be important to ensure trucks have access to farms and other facilities once they leave provincial highways,” said Orb.

Providing higher weight limits will require close monitoring by highway and municipal officials to ensure that if conditions changes or if road damage occurs, weight restrictions can be re-applied to ensure road safety – and minimize the need for costly repairs.

Shippers are reminded to check in to ensure they understand what restrictions are in place on provincial roads at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/transportation-and-road-construction/information-for-truckers-and-commercial-trucking-companies/regulations-and-road-restrictions/increased-weights-and-road-restrictions.  Official spring restriction orders are issued every Tuesday and Friday by 12:30 p.m. (CST) during the ban period.

For this year only, there will be no permit requirements for priority goods.  Routes will be determined in collaboration with local authorities based on local conditions.