Weight Limits Protect Tillsonburg Roads From Spring Damage

By

Emma Kelly
March 3, 2026 9:50 am

Starting March 2, 2026, Oxford County has put seasonal weight limits on local roads to protect them from damage during the spring thaw. These restrictions affect several roads around Tillsonburg, Ontario, where the melting frost makes the ground underneath the pavement soft and unstable.

Under these rules, vehicles are restricted to a maximum of 5 tonnes per axle on marked roads. These reduced load limits help prevent “wash-boarding,” which creates rough ripples in the road, and the deep potholes that form when heavy trucks drive on weak, water-soaked soil.

Local farmers and transport companies using major routes like Oxford Road 37 into Tillsonburg must now adjust their schedules or carry lighter loads. Drivers can check for specific road signs or plan alternate routes using primary highways that do not have these weight restrictions.

The restrictions usually remain in place until April 30, 2026, though the exact end date depends on how quickly the ground dries. County officials will remove the signs once the roads are strong enough to handle full commercial weights again.