By Colton Swiderski

R.M. of M.L. places weight restriction on rural roads

Nov 8, 2016 | 4:00 PM

Due to the “terrible” conditions of gravel roads in the Rural Municipality of Meadow Lake, council has put a weight restriction on all semi-trailer and tractor units until further notice.

Because of the weather conditions so far this fall, Gina Bernier, R.M. administrator, said the restriction is 50 per cent of the load weight for all semi-trailers and tractor units hauling on rural roads.  She explained this means if a resident normally hauls 60 cattle, they can only haul 30. Or if they haul 12 bails, they can now only haul 6.

“Our roads are in terrible shape so in order to save a bit of our roads, we’re trying to cut the weights down,” Bernier said. “We would like it if people didn’t haul at all on our roads but at the same time we understand there’s a need to get product in and out.”

The restriction is in effect for every grid road in the R.M. Bernier added staff are trying to maintain the roads, but due to the shape they’re in that’s proving difficult. The biggest issues rural roads face are ruts and pot holes.

“We see them happening and the crew tries to go out there. But the roads being so wet, and the graters so heavy, we seem to be fighting a losing battle,” she said. “Hopefully everyone can work with us and we will be able to save our roads to some degree. We won’t save them 100 per cent but at least we can save some.”

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Without a bylaw officer, Bernier said it’s the hope of council residents of the community abide by the honour system and co-operate with the R.M.

She added it costs a lot to rebuild roads to a proper standard – between $150 and $200,000 per mile just to recap a road.

The restriction is temporary and Bernier said council will likely lift it when the roads freeze and crews are able to conduct maintenance.

Colton Swiderski is meadowlakeNOW’s municipal affairs, crime and court, health and education reporter. He can be reached at cswiderski@jpbg.ca or tweet him @coltonswiderski.