For the first time since 2012, road bans are back on Westlock County roads following a 7-0 vote by council March 13 to restrict commercial vehicles to 75 per cent of total load weight.
The restriction starts at 7 a.m. March 26 and remains in place until late as June, depending on how wet the spring months are.
“This is a preventative measure,” said reeve Lou Hall at council’s at its March 13 meeting. “We need good roads.”
Director of Infrastructure Al Scott told council the spring thaw can lead to water getting trapped under the surface of a road and heavy loads can severely damage it.
Shoulder pulls are particularly vulnerable to heavy loads, he added.
Chief administrative officer Leo Ludwig said the county’s peace officer had been trained in the use of weights and will be out enforcing the ban.
“Notification of the ban will be on the website right away,” he said.
A provision is included in the order for agricultural producers who need to exceed the weight limit. A producer, or hauler, may enter into a road-use agreement with the county by posting a $3,000 bond, or letter of credit and notify the municipality of the number of loads to be transported, the specific route and day of transport.
From there, the county will inspect the road before and after the goods are moved. If the road is damaged, the costs of repairs will be taken out of the bond. If the road is not damaged, the bond is returned.
While he ultimately voted for the ban, Coun. Dennis Primeau said he was “totally opposed to a road ban during seeding time.”
“People aren’t going to pay attention to it,” he added.
Noting that notifications would be posted alongside roads throughout the county, Scott conceded that the ban will only work if there’s enforcement.
“Signs only keep honest people honest,” he said. “This is a highly contentious issue in every municipality that has agriculture operations, but until we try it, we don’t know if it will work.”
Hall pointed out that everyone in the county has a role to play in keeping the roads in good shape.
“Most people in the county are concerned about the roads, so we’re trying to ensure they’re safe to drive on,” she said.
