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Each spring in Ontario, municipalities and the province impose load restrictions on roads and highways. As frozen ground thaws from the surface down, the saturated subbase loses its load-bearing capacity—and heavy trucks can cause severe and costly road damage during this period.

Load restrictions reduce the maximum legal axle weights that trucks can carry, typically to 50% or 75% of the normal limit. This applies to provincial highways, county roads, and many municipal roads—the exact rules vary by jurisdiction.

For aggregate deliveries, this means trucks may be required to carry smaller loads per trip, which can affect scheduling, cost, and what routes are accessible.

In Ontario, load restriction season typically runs from late February through mid-April, though the exact start and end dates are set year to year by each municipality or the MTO based on weather and ground conditions.

Warmer winters may shorten the period; late cold snaps can extend it. Restrictions are lifted progressively—some roads come off restrictions earlier than others based on their construction and exposure.

The MTO publishes notices on their website. For municipal roads, contact the relevant township or county directly.

During load restriction season, deliveries continue but may be subject to changes depending on your location and the road classifications involved. The following may apply:

• Reduced load per truck, meaning more trips are required for large orders
• Certain routes may be unavailable—we'll advise on the best alternative access
• Scheduling may be adjusted to early morning when ground is still frozen and firm
• Some private roads and site access routes may be restricted at the customer's discretion

For orders during restriction season, our team will review the routing and load requirements with you upfront so there are no surprises.

The best way to avoid disruption is to order ahead. If you have a project starting in March or April, consider the following:

• Order and stockpile in late winter: Get your material on site before restrictions kick in
• Check your road classifications: Not all roads are affected equally; highway-accessed sites may have more flexibility
• Build buffer time into your schedule: Allow an extra week or two during March and April
• Call our dispatch team early: We know the roads and can help you plan the most efficient approach

Our products are manufactured and tested to meet Ontario and federal standards. The following references are commonly cited in contracts and project specifications.

Test reports and product spec sheets are available on request. Contact us for documentation.

James Dick Aggregates is an active member of Ontario's aggregate and construction industry. The following organizations set standards, advocate for the industry, and provide technical guidance.

Aggregate extraction in Ontario is governed by the Aggregate Resources Act (ARA) and requires site plans that include progressive and final rehabilitation—returning land to a productive use after extraction is complete.

JDA takes rehabilitation seriously. Our sites are managed with progressive restoration in mind, and we work alongside regulatory bodies throughout the extraction lifecycle.

Key environmental commitments:

• Progressive rehabilitation as extraction advances—not just at closure
• Water management and sedimentation control on active sites
• Short haul distances reduce truck emissions—our pits are close to the markets we serve
• Founding ARO member—recycling construction demolition material since the 1990s

For questions about site-specific environmental practices, contact us directly.