Close Alert Banner
Skip to Content

District Municipality of Muskoka Logo District of Muskoka Print Logo

Contact UsContact Us
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • Categories
    • Airport
    • Area Municipalities
    • Business, Planning & Development
    • Careers and Volunteering
    • Children and Seniors
    • Community Services and Support
    • Council
    • EnviroHub
    • Finance and Administration
    • Garbage and Recycling
    • Health and Emergency Services
    • Housing
    • Provincial Offences Court
    • Roads and Transportation
    • Water and Sewer
    • Engage Muskoka
    • Feedback and Engagement
    • News and Public Notices

News and Public Notices

Load Restrictions

HomeRoads and TransportationDistrict Roads and BridgesLoad Restrictions
  • Open new window to share this page via Facebook Facebook
  • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn LinkedIn
  • Open new window to share this page via Twitter Twitter
  • Email this page Email

Every year, our Muskoka municipalities put half-load, or reduced/seasonal load restrictions on select roadways to protect our infrastructure. 

Half Loads - 2023 - will be lifted on May 15, 2023.

With spring thaw and changes in weather, half-load restrictions are generally from March to May. Exact dates are set each year, dependent on road conditions and temperatures.

The following is a list of District road sections that are exempt from the annual restriction as outlined in the By-Law 2016-4 and By-Law 2018-12.

For more information, please contact our office at 705-645-6764 or publicworks@muskoka.on.ca 

When half-load restrictions are in effect, signs will indicate our road is off-limits to heavy transports and vehicles exceeding 5 tonnes per axle. However, there may be alternate routes or that can be taken to reach the destination.  Visit our website to explore an interactive map of District road half-load restrictions on Muskoka GeoHub, the District’s online web mapping portal. 

For more information about load restrictions on District roads, please contact our office at 705-645-6764 or email us at publicworks@muskoka.on.ca 

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 

Time of year

With spring thaw and changes in weather, half-load restrictions are generally from March to May. Exact  dates are set each year, dependent on road conditions and temperatures.  


 

web button with a hand icon directing to Muskoka GeoHub landing page

Launch MuskokaGeoHub and explore an interactive map of District road half-load restrictions via our online web mapping portal. 

Subscribe to page updates
Roads and Transportation
    • Community Transit
    • District Roads and Bridges
      • Load Restrictions
      • Road Maintenance
      • Taking Action on Acton
        • About the Project
        • Subscribe For Updates
        • Submit A Question or Comment
    • Maps
    • Port Carling Locks and Swing Bridge
    • Report an Issue
    • Road Construction and Closures
    • Road Permits and Applications
    • Signs and Signals
    • Snowmobiles and ATVs

Contact Us

District Municipality of Muskoka footer logo

Contact Us

The District Municipality of Muskoka

70 Pine Street
Bracebridge, ON P1L 1N3

Phone: 705-645-2100
Fax: 705-645-5319

  • Quick Links

    • Accessibility
    • Freedom of Information and Privacy
    • Terms of Use
    • Sitemap
    • Website Feedback
    • SIMON
  • Connect with Us

View our Facebook Page Facebook View our Twitter Page Twitter View our YouTube Page YouTube View our LinkedIn Page LinkedIn

© Copyright 2021 The District Municipality of Muskoka

By GHD Digital

Close Old Browser Notification
Browser Compatibility Notification
It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.