Sign up for the northeastNOW newsletter

Wide-Base Single Tires Pilot Extended and Expanded

Jun 25, 2018 | 8:43 AM

The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to announce that the pilot program, allowing trucks to increase the weight on wide-base single tires has been extended for one more year.  In addition, it has been expanded to all paved National Highway Systems in the province.

This pilot started last year and allows permitted trucks to increase the weight on wide-base single tires (WBST), 455 mm or wider, from 3,850 kg to 4,250 kg per tire.  The New Generation Wide Base Tires are a single wide tire that replaces the traditional dual tires on commercial vehicles.

“We are pleased to continue working with the Saskatchewan trucking industry to help reduce their operating costs and effect on greenhouse gas emissions to our environment,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister David Marit said.  “We are extending the free permit period for another year while we finalize the fee and administration process for wide-base single tires here in the province.”

Prairie Resilience, the province’s made-in-Saskatchewan climate change strategy is designed to curb greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for changing conditions and protect people and communities through resilience and readiness.  The strategy, available on www.saskatchewan.ca, proposes action in key areas including natural systems, physical infrastructure, economic sustainability and community preparedness.

WBST permits are valid on the following routes:

  • Highway 1 from the Manitoba border to the Alberta Border;
  • Highway 2 from Moose Jaw to Highway 11 at Chamberlain;
  • Highway 2 from Prince Albert to La Ronge;
  • Highway 4 from Highway 15 to Highway 7;
  • Highway 6 from Highway 39 to Melfort;
  • Highway 7 from Saskatoon to the Alberta Border;
  • Highway 10 from Highway 1 to Yorkton;
  • Highway 11 from Regina to Saskatoon;
  • Highway 11 and Highway 2 from Saskatoon to Prince Albert;
  • Highway 15 from Highway 11 to Highway 4;
  • Highway 16 from the Manitoba border to the Alberta Border;
  • Highway 39 from Highway 6 to the United States Border; and
  • Global Transportation Hub to Highway 1 via Dewdney Avenue and Pinkie Road.

*A distance of 500 m on a public highway from the intersection of the haul routes listed above.  Routes must be at primary weight for this allowance to apply.

“As the leader and voice for truck transport, we see this program as being of importance and value for our industry,” Saskatchewan Trucking Association Executive Director Susan Ewart said.  “The Saskatchewan Trucking Association will continue to work with the Government of Saskatchewan on innovation solutions for our industry.”

Once the pilot is complete, a fee will be collected to use WBST above 3,850 kg, to offset the cost of the additional damage these tires may cause to our highway system.

All vehicles will be required to carry a copy of the permit and follow weight restrictions.