Heavy load restrictions on most roads in Lanark County, including those serving the Mississippi Mills area, will be lifted on Monday, May 4, 2026. This change allows truckers, contractors, and residents to resume hauling full loads without the need for special permits as the spring thaw season concludes.
The county had implemented these seasonal restrictions starting March 2, 2026, to protect road surfaces. During this time, heavy vehicles were limited to five tonnes per axle on designated routes. The Lanark County Public Works Department notes that these measures are necessary because frost leaving the ground in the spring softens road bases, making them vulnerable to structural damage from heavy traffic.
While most county roads will return to normal operation, the Derry Side Road portion of County Road 17 will remain under restriction. Motorists and commercial operators are reminded that carrying loads exceeding the limit on restricted roads is an offence under the provincial Highway Traffic Act.
The restriction period lasted approximately nine weeks this year. Several major routes throughout the region remained exempt from these rules throughout the spring, including County Road 29, which runs through Almonte.
For more information or to clarify which routes are affected, residents can contact the Lanark County Public Works Department at 613-267-1353 or by email at [email protected].
