Alberta approves more weight for all-terrain cranes
By Adam Freill
Construction EquipmentPilot-project tested weights for AT cranes to become permanently allowed on roads in the province as of March 1.
Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors has approved the weights tested under the All-Terrain (AT) crane pilot project, permanently increasing allowable weights on roads in the province. The news was shared via correspondence with the Canadian Crane Rental Association (CCRA) from the Honourable Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors.
“Your industry’s dedication and commitment to growing Alberta’s economy is greatly appreciated,” wrote Dreeshen. “Effective March 1, 2024, Transportation and Economic Corridors will update its permitting policies to permanently allow increased weights for AT Cranes on Alberta roads, aligning with the weights allowed during the project. This change will reduce red tape for industry and provide certainty for your members on AT Cranes’ road operating requirements.”
“This is an important gain for our industry, and we thank everyone who invested countless hours and company resources to support this initiative,” said CCRA Weights and Dimensions Committee co-chair Justin Andrews.
The Weights and Dimensions Committee was formed in 2017 to address weights and dimensions in Alberta and quickly expanded to other provinces. The committee includes manufacturers, crane rental companies and engineers who provide ministries of transportation with industry information, data and research.
“We took a collaborative approach with industry and with government,” added committee co-chair Mike Lavoie. “We learned from one another, improved safety, reduced costs and saved lives.”
The approved changes to ATC permitting policies state that the axle weights are approved with dolly, that the dolly remains at the current restricted weights and, when possible, advises to travel boom over front without dolly.
Newly approved weights are as follows:
Spring Ban:
- Three (3) axles goes from 7,900 kg to 9,500 kg with dolly.
- Four (4) axles goes from 7,700 kg to 9,500 kg with dolly.
- Five or more axles goes from 7,600 kg to 9,500 kg with dolly.
Post Thaw:
- Three (3) axles goes from 9,400 kg to 10,500 kg with dolly.
- Four (4) axles goes from 9,200 kg to 10,500 kg with dolly.
- Five or more axles goes from 9,000 kg to 10,500 kg with dolly.
Summer/Fall:
- Three (3) axles goes from 9,800 kg to 11,500 kg with dolly.
- Four (4) axles goes from 9,600 kg to 11,500 kg with dolly.
- Five or more axles goes from 9,400 kg to 11,500 kg with dolly.
