FREDERICTON (April 30) — Weight restrictions on trucks travelling in New Brunswick will be lifted earlier than planned, due to a dry spring.

“The frost is out of the ground earlier and our highway strength readings indicate we can lift the annual spring weight restrictions sooner than planned,” said Transportation Minister Sheldon Lee.

The weight restrictions will be relaxed first, then removed completely.

In southern New Brunswick (Zone A), effective midnight on Sunday, May 2, all roads presently restricted to 80% of normal axle loads will be permitted to have 90% of normal axle loads. Similarly, all roads presently at 90% will be permitted 100% of normal axle loads.

One week later, effective midnight on Sunday, May 9, weight restrictions will be removed in Zone A and normal axle weights will be permitted on all roads in this zone. There are two exceptions: Route 116, from Route 126 at Harcourt to the Kent County line; and Route 490, from Route 515 to the Kent County line. The dates will be one week later for these two sections of highway.

In northern New Brunswick (Zone B), effective midnight on Sunday, May 9, will see weight restrictions relaxed by 10% (from 80 to 90%; from 90 to 100%). The restrictions will be lifted effective midnight on Sunday, May 16, on all roads in Zone B except Route 385, from Nictau to Route 180, and also Route 108, from Plaster Rock to Renous. The dates are one week later for these two sections of highway.