NB 1485
Nov. 15, 2007
FREDERICTON (CNB) - New Brunswick is changing permitting conditions for oversize loads to allow some of these loads to move at night and on weekends. These changes will harmonize New Brunswick's policies for certain oversize loads with those in the other Atlantic provinces.
Loads up to 3.65 metres (12 feet) wide will be permitted to travel at night on multi-lane divided highways only. Loads wider than 3.05 metres (10 feet) will not be permitted to move at night on two-lane roads. Loads up to 30 metres (98 feet, five inches) long will be allowed to travel at night on all highways. All oversize loads moving at night must be well-lit.
The definition of daytime travel is also being redefined as travel between sunrise and sunset, instead of one half-hour after sunrise to one half-hour before sunset.
In addition, the escort vehicle procedures on multi-lane divided highways are changing. Only one escort vehicle will be required for loads up to 5.5 metres (18 feet) wide and it will be located at the rear of the load.
"These changes are part of New Brunswick's ongoing efforts to harmonize our trucking policies with those in the other Atlantic provinces," Transportation Minister Denis Landry said. "Removing barriers to trade will assist our province in its effort to be a fully self-sufficient province over the next 20 years. By permitting some oversize loads to move at night and on weekends, we are being supportive of industry's needs and making important policy changes in support of the Atlantic Gateway initiative."
The minister said the changes were carefully analyzed by traffic safety experts before being implemented.
Before a special permit is issued for an oversize load, the department considers bridge heights, the width of driving lanes, time of day, and day of the week. Drivers are given a specific route that they are required to follow and trucking firms are responsible for any damages resulting from the movement of the oversize load.
These new conditions will apply to annual and quarterly oversize permits upon renewal and they will apply to single trip permits effective Nov. 19. Holders of existing quarterly and annual permits that wish to operate under the new conditions may renew their permits after that date.
For more information about this policy change or other matters related to the trucking industry in New Brunswick, please consult the Department of Transportation's trucking information page.
07/11/12
MEDIA CONTACT: Tracey Burkhardt, director of communications, Transportation, 506-453-5634.
07/11/12