Beginning on Monday, April 29, seasonal load restrictions will no longer be in effect. Commercial vehicles or trailers with a gross vehicle weight in excess of five (5) tonnes or 11,000 pounds per axle will no longer be prohibited on roads where restriction signage is posted.
Background:
During the spring thaw period, typically early March to mid-May, some roads cannot withstand heavy vehicle loads. Every year, the City of Ottawa monitors thaw progression by utilizing the forecast temperature data from Environment Canada and Weather Network to calculate the Thaw Index. When the Thaw Index reaches its threshold value, the load restrictions are imposed.