Weight restrictions are necessary due to current highway and weather conditions. Certain areas along NWT highways are experiencing soft surface conditions, and these restrictions are critical to protecting the long-term integrity of the infrastructure.

We recognize the challenges this may pose to your operations and appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Please be assured that the Department of Infrastructure is actively monitoring conditions. Should conditions improve, the load allowances will be adjusted accordingly.

Weight restrictions effective December 15, 2025

The GNWT is allowing Winter Load Tolerances (WLT) on the following NWT Highways as per the specifications outlined.

Hwy 1     Km 0 – Km 690
Hwy 2     Km 0 – Km 49
Hwy 3     Km 0 – Km 338
Hwy 4     Km 0 – Km 69
Hwy 5     Km 0 – Km 266
Hwy 6     Km 0 – Km 90
Hwy 7     Km 0 – Km 254
Hwy 8     Km 0 – Km 272.5
Hwy 9     Km 0 – Km 97
Hwy 10   Km 0 – Km 133.6

For all other road tolerances including Winter Roads and Ice Crossings please refer to DriveNWT.ca.

Winter Load Tolerance

The ‘winter load tolerance’ allowance gives the trucking industry the opportunity to increase load capacity by 500 kg per axle not including steering axles. This allowance does not permit for any accumulative overweight on: A-train, B-train, C-train or Super B-train truck and trailer configurations. The table below gives estimates for the winter load tolerances.

Highway System Information

Please verify that your vehicle configuration conforms with the loading allowed under the registration documents and to Large Vehicle Control Regulations.

Any changes to the Allowable Legal Axle Weight Specifications will be announced 48 hours in advance.

The Department of Infrastructure will continue to monitor the highways and will further update on seasonal load allowances.