With winter almost over, it’s around the time many municipalities put on half-load restrictions to protect roads.
All of Muskoka’s municipalities, including the District of Muskoka, are set to put the restrictions in place starting March 13. It means vehicles over five tonnes per axle are prohibited from using certain roads.
“This restriction protects the road and road base from being permanently damaged during a spring thaw from heavy vehicle loads,” explains Brandon Hall, engineering technician with the Town of Huntsville. “As frost and moisture comes out of the road base, the road can then become softer and weaker. Heavy vehicle loads can cause the road to settle, break apart or even heave, which will lead to permanent road damage resulting in uneven driving surface and possible damage to vehicles.”
The restrictions for district roads can be found on this interactive map, while those for Huntsville, Bracebridge, and Gravenhurst are listed on the towns’ websites. Reduced loads are in effect for all roads in the remaining municipalities.
Town of Bracebridge officials note that while signage is posted on most roads, the absence of signs doesn’t mean the restriction is not in place.
The half-load limit will continue until May 31.