New Generation Wide Base Single Tires Policy

As part of the Department of Infrastructure and Transportation’s effort to balance the needs of industry with the Department’s charge of ensuring the continued protection of infrastructure and the motoring public, we are pleased to advise you that, based on the results of our recent assessment, Manitoba will be implementing changes to the policies governing the weight and dimension limits of heavy vehicles effective July 16, 2007.

Until such time as The Vehicle Weights and Dimensions on Classes of Highways Regulation (MR 575/88) can be amended, the current Oversize/Overweight Permit Policy will be amended to allow permitting of carriers wishing to take advantage of the following changes to the policy. Standard permit fees will be assessed where appropriate.

1. New Generation Wide Base Single Tires -- Weight Limits on Highways Increased:

RTAC Routes

Weight limits for axles fitted with single tires with a width of 445 mm or greater are being increased, on RTAC Routes, to levels comparable with those allowed on single axle and tandem axle groups in the United States.

• The weight limit for single axles fitted with single tires with a width of 445 mm or greater will be increased to 7 700 kg (from 6 000 kg).
• The weight limit for tandem axle groups fitted with single tires with a width of 445 mm or greater will be increased to 15 400 kg (from 12 000 kg).

Class A1 and Class B1 Highways

Weight limits for axles fitted with single tires with a width of 445 mm or greater are being increased on Class A1 and Class B1 Highways.

Class A1 Highways

• The weight limit for single axles fitted with single tires with a width of 445 mm or greater will be increased to 7 280 kg (from 6 000 kg).
• The weight limit for tandem axle groups fitted with single tires with a width of 445 mm or greater will be increased to 12 800 kg (from 12 000 kg).

Class B1 Highways

• The weight limit for single axles fitted with single tires with a width of 445 mm or greater will be increased to 6 560 kg (from 6 000 kg).
• The weight limit for tandem axle groups fitted with single tires remains capped at 12 000 kg.

More research is required before any further increased loading can be considered on lesser strength pavements.

2. Wide Base Single Tires -- Minimum Track Width Requirement:

To support an orderly transition to use of wide single tires, while preserving desirable vehicle stability and control characteristics, the minimum track width on axles fitted with single tires will be reduced to 2.3 m (from 2.5 m) for vehicles built in 2007 or earlier, to preserve the safety of vehicles being retrofitted with new single tires. The minimum track width for all axles on vehicles built in 2008 or later will be maintained at 2.5 m.

Carriers wishing to take advantage of this opportunity to allow the movement of such equipment by special permits can do so by contacting Permit Services directly at (204) 945-3961 or toll free at 1-877-812-0009.