Public Works
HALF LOADS WERE LIFTED MONDAY MAY 15, 2023.
Load Restrictions
Half Load Restrictions
Every year from around March 1st the local municipalities put half-load, or reduced/seasonal load restrictions on select roadways. During this period of time:
- Vehicles are restricted to load limits of 5 tonnes per axle
- There is limited truck and transport access to these areas
Reason for weight requirements
In the spring, as frost comes out of the ground and moisture comes out of the road bed:
- Roads become softer and weaker
- Heavy loads on roads can cause it to sink and break apart, which can lead to permanent damage
- Half-load restrictions are put in place to protect our roads and road beds from being damaged
- Reduces the need of having to re-build a road after every spring thaw (that could get costly for our taxpayers)
About weight requirements
Vehicles over a certain weight class are not permitted to use the roadway. This includes larger vehicles like:
- dump trucks
- delivery trucks
- concrete trucks
- heavy equipment floats that haul excavators, bulldozers and cranes
Time of year
With spring thaw and changes in weather, half-load restrictions are generally March 1st to June 30th. The roads are given time to shed winter frost.
How residents can help
Consider alternate routes
When a half-load restriction is in effect, the road is off limits to heavy transports. However, there may be alternate routes or that can be taken in order to reach the destination. If not possible, Public Works can issue a letter of exception which provides relief from certain sections of the by-law.
Plan spring building projects
If your building project takes place in the spring (busiest time of year in the building industry), knowing about half-load restrictions in your area will help you in planning your project.
Speed Limits
Speed limits within the Township of Ryerson are set at 60 km/h on all roads, unless signed otherwise.
Road Hazards
If you are aware of a road hazard (i.e. a missing stop sign, dangerous washout or dead animal on the road), please notify us at (705) 382-3232 during office hours Tuesday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (If you leave a message please include time, date, and nature of emergency).
For after-hours roads emergencies, please call or text Public Works Supervisor, Fred Schmeltz at (705) 783-0064.
Fallen Trees
Any trees or debris obstructing the roadways should be reported to the Municipal Office at (705) 783-0064.
Trees fallen on hydro wires should be reported to Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235.
Trees fallen on Bell Lines call: 1-866-310-2355
Winter Parking On Roadways
Pursuant to the Highway Traffic Act RSO 1990, Section 170 (12): no person shall park or stand a vehicle on a highway in such a manner as to interfere with the movement of traffic. Every person who parks their vehicle on the roadside during the winter months will have their vehicle tagged and towed at the OWNER’S EXPENSE.
No person shall park or stand a vehicle on a highway in such a manner as to interfere with the movement of traffic or the clearing of snow from the highway. Section 170 (15): an officer appointed for the carrying out of the provisions of this Act, upon discovery of any vehicle parked or standing in contravention of subsection (12) ..may cause it to be moved or taken to and placed or stored in a suitable place and all costs or charges for removing, care and storage thereof, if any are a lien upon the vehicle.
Please remember that plowing or placing snow onto or across municipal roads is prohibited under the Ontario Traffic Act. By doing this, ditches are filled in and are unable to function properly leading to washouts in the spring and icy roads in the winter.
Clearing Snow On Your Property
The Township devotes a great deal of resources to keep streets clear of snow and ice after a snowfall. Residents often deposit snow and ice from their property onto the street, not realizing that this contravenes the Ontario Traffic Act, contributes to unsafe driving and walking conditions, and increases the cost of providing winter road maintenance. When you’re clearing snow from your driveway, please keep this snow on your property. Do not put the cleared snow from your driveway into a municipal ditch. Your efforts in making winter driving and walking safe for everyone are appreciated.
Go Slow In Snow
Slow down and drive according to the weather conditions, not the speed limit. During a storm, posted speed limits are usually too fast. Conditions are unpredictable and change rapidly. Adjust your speed and allow yourself extra travel time. Avoid sudden moves, starts or stops. Start slowly on slick snowy roads and brake gradually, giving yourself plenty of space. Steer gently into turns to maintain control. Be visible and use your low-beam headlights when it is snowing. They are brighter than daytime running lights and will turn on your tail lights.
Road Allowances
Road allowances refer to allowances originally laid out for roads by a Crown surveyor, including both road allowances shown on an original Township survey and road allowances shown along the water in a plan of subdivision. Road allowances are generally 66 feet in width.
Road allowances made by the Crown surveyors that are located in municipalities and road allowances, highways, streets and lanes shown on a registered plan of subdivision, are identified in Section 26 of the Municipal Act, (2001) as highways – unless they have been closed. A highway is owned by the municipality that has jurisdiction over it, subject to any rights reserved by a person who dedicated the highway or any interest in the land held by any other person (s. 30) With some exceptions, as further specified in the Municipal Act (2001), a local municipality has jurisdiction over:
- all road allowances located in the municipality that were made by the Crown surveyors;
- all road allowances, highways, streets and lanes shown on a registered plan of subdivision; and
- a municipality may by by-law, assume an unopened road allowance made by the Crown surveyors and all road allowances, highways, streets and lanes shown on a registered plan of subdivision for public use.
- Use of road allowance by-law