Frequently Asked Questions

• 1. What are posted axle weights?

  Permanent link to What are posted axle weights?

  Posted axle weights are the weight restrictions for vehicles that lowers the legal registered permitted weight placed on a road. This protects the infrastructure from damage. Axle weights are based on provincial spring ban seasonal rates. View our current road weight restrictions map.

• 2. What is overweight?

  Permanent link to What is overweight?

  Overweight is defined as the weight on an axle or axle group, or total gross weight, being more than that allowed under the Traffic Safety Act. More information on axle weights can be obtained from Alberta Transportation.

• 3. When are road bans in effect?

  Permanent link to When are road bans in effect?

  Year-round road bans are in effect on all weight restricted rural roads in Strathcona County.

  During the spring thaw, seasonal road bans are declared to protect our roads. Because seasonal road bans depend on road conditions, the dates vary from year-to-year but they typically run from March – June. During these months the posted axle weight on the majority of weight restricted roads is lowered to 75%.  

  Some roads have permanent weight restrictions that are not affected by seasonal road bans. See our road weight restrictions map here.

• 4. Do I need a Road Use Agreement (RUA) ?

  Permanent link to Do I need a Road Use Agreement (RUA) ?

  Do you have a project that will exceed 5 loaded trips to the same destination(s) or project? If the answer is YES, you will need an RUA. If the answer is NO, you do not require an RUA. 

  However, if any of your loads are over the posted axle weight or is over-dimensional you will need to get a TRAVIS permit. Strathcona County will need to approve this permit before you can travel on County roads.

• 5. Road ban season is over; do I still require a RUA?

  Permanent link to Road ban season is over; do I still require a RUA?

  Yes, RUAs are required all year round.

• 6. What is a divisible load?

  Permanent link to What is a divisible load?

  A divisible load is any load that can be easily lightened such as water, gravel, lumber or concrete. 

• 7. What is a non-divisible load?

  Permanent link to What is a non-divisible load?

  A non-divisible load is any load that cannot be easily lightened such as heavy equipment, concrete pump trucks or trucks hauling a one piece load.

• 8. Do I need to keep a copy of the RUA with me?

  Permanent link to Do I need to keep a copy of the RUA with me?

  Vehicles operating under a RUA must carry a copy of Exhibit “D” (2 pages) along with any other required permits.

• 9. How long does it take to issue a RUA?

  Permanent link to How long does it take to issue a RUA?

  It generally takes five to ten business days to process simple RUA applications. The time may increase if the RUA is more complex or if bonding is required.

• 10. Are there any costs associated with RUAs?

  Permanent link to Are there any costs associated with RUAs?

  A fee of $140.00 (plus GST) will be charged for each road inspection completed throughout the duration of an RUA. There is a minimum of two inspections performed at initial and final stages with supplemental inspections throughout as required. Inspections performed outside of Transportation and Agriculture Services’ regular office hours (Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) may incur additional charges.

  The holder of the RUA is responsible for any damages to the roads or infrastructure. Strathcona County will repair the road and will issue the RUA holder a bill for the damages. Inspection costs and any damages incurred will be invoiced at the completion of the RUA.

• 11. Do I need a Tridem Axle Certificate (TAC) or Tri-Drive Permit?

  Permanent link to Do I need a Tridem Axle Certificate (TAC) or Tri-Drive Permit?

  Prior to the operation of a commercial vehicle on a Strathcona County roadway, the commercial vehicle must have a Provincial TAC permit issued in accordance with the Traffic Safety Act.

  Strathcona County no longer requires a County issued TAC permit.  All Provincial TAC permits will give authorization for tridem weights and use on County roadways.  This change is effective January 19, 2016.