The spring load restrictions are now in effect as of Sunday, leaving truckers to stay at home while they wait out the annual thaw.
Secondary roads have been closed to reduce damage as the surfaces shift in the fluctuating temperatures.
“That’s only for the country [roads]. Your main highways are not restricted,” noted Derald McCool of McCool Transport. “But it’s night and day, 24 hours.”
The Ministry of Transportation restrictions only allow half-loads on the roads, forcing most loggers to stop altogether.
Every year, the local mills fill their yards with a stockpile of logs to get them through the spring slow-down.
“Oh yeah, for sure . . . just look at the yards,” noted Abitibi-Consolidated buyer Lynwood Anderson.
Last year, truckers and buyers alike were concerned as an early thaw forced the ministry to keep restrictions in place almost a month longer than usual.
This year, there is much less concern as truckers wait out the thaw.
“From what I understand, restrictions are in effect as of last Sunday,” said Anderson. “They put the restrictions on March 1 last year so we got almost three weeks on last year.
“This is the norm. Last year was no good at all, really,” he added.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
