Seasonal road bans protect County roads from damage by restricting the allowable axle weight for commercial vehicles and the goods they are carrying. 

Image of rural road in Strathcona County

The allowable axle weight on rural roads depends on the time of year: 

  • Summer, fall and winter – 90 per cent 
  • Spring – 75 per cent 

Some roads have permanent weight restrictions that are not affected by seasonal road bans.  

See weight restrictions on all rural roads: 

More information on commercial vehicle axle weight and dimension regulations can be obtained from the Government of Alberta. 


Spring road bans reduce weight to 75 per cent 

During spring thaw, spring road bans are declared to protect our roads from damage.  

Rural roads that are at 90 per cent during summer, fall and winter change to 75 per cent during spring road bans. 

The exact dates vary from year to year based on road conditions, but they typically run from March to June.  

Note: Domestic water haulers are allowed to carry 80 per cent of their allowable axle weight during spring road bans. 


Highways are managed by the province 

Find information on provincial road bans affecting highways in Strathcona County on the Government of Alberta website. 


Road Use Agreements are required year round 

If you have a project that will exceed five loaded trips to the same destination(s) or project, you require a Road Use Agreement (RUA).. 

If any of your loads are over the posted axle weight or is over-dimensional you will need to get a TRAVIS permit. Strathcona County will need to approve this permit before you can travel on County roads. 


Axle weights for agricultural use 

Agricultural producers can now apply for a Road Use Agreement (RUA) that will allow 100 per cent axle weights outside of spring road bans on approved routes.

Getting started

  • Call Transportation Engineering and Operations at 780-417-7100 to apply for an annual Road Use Agreement.
  • Include specific route information with your application.

Agriculture use axle weights throughout the year 

February - March
  • Spring road bans are approaching
  • Call for approval to haul at 100 per cent
March - May
  • Spring road bans in effect
  • Weights will be lowered to 90 per cent initially
  • They will then be lowered again to 75 per cent
  • Call for approval to haul at 90 per cent
May - February
  • After spring road bans, weights will increase to 90 per cent

Further information:

Transportation Engineering and Operations
Phone: 780-417-7100
Submit a road ban inquiry

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Last updated: Friday, August 02, 2024
Page ID: 38345