The New Brunswick government has announced when spring weight restrictions will take effect this year.

Weight restrictions will start Monday, March 4, in southern New Brunswick and Monday, March 11, in northern regions.

Transportation Minister Richard Ames said the weight limits are put in place each spring to protect New Brunswick’s road infrastructure from damage during the yearly frost-and-thaw cycle.

“We provide this notice to the trucking community so they may prepare to reduce their loads or plan for alternate routes during this period,” said Ames.

“I would like to thank members of the industry for their co-operation and patience each year while these restrictions are in place.”

Officials said the timeframe of the restriction period is determined by monitoring weather conditions and tracking the progress of the spring thaw using sensors located around the province.

Restrictions are expected to continue until May 12 in southern New Brunswick and May 19 in northern New Brunswick. The dates are dependent upon weather conditions and are subject to change.

More details about restrictions, maps and calculating weight can be found by clicking here.