Alberta updates all terrain crane permitting policies

In the province of Alberta, Canada, governmental body Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors (which aims to provide a safe and efficient transportation system to support Alberta’s economic, social and environmental vitality) has announced the approval of the All-Terrain Crane Pilot Project tested weights.

In a letter addressed to the Canadian Crane Rental Association (CCRA), the Honourable Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors writes: "Your industry's dedication and commitment to growing Alberta's economy is greatly appreciated. Effective March 1, 2024, Transportation and Economic Corridors will update its permitting policies to permanently allow increased weights for all terrain 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 all terrain 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 effective model includes manufacturers, crane rentals 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 Mike Lavoie, Committee Co-Chair. “We learned from one another, improved safety, reduced costs and saved lives,” concluded Lavoie.

The key approved changes to all terrain crane permitting policies are:

• The axles weights are approved with dolly.
• The dolly remains at the current restricted weights.
• When possible, travel boom over front without dolly.

Spring Ban:

3 axles go from 7,900 kg to 9,500 kg with dolly
4 axles go from 7,700 kg to 9,500 kg with dolly
5+ axles go from 7,600 kg to 9,500 kg with dolly

Post Thaw:

3 axles go from 9,400 kg to 10,500 kg with dolly
4 axles go from 9,200 kg to 10,500 kg with dolly
5+ axles go from 9,000 kg to 10,500 kg with dolly

Summer/Fall:

3 axles go from 9,800 kg to 11,500 kg with dolly
4 axles go from 9,600 kg to 11,500 kg with dolly
5+ axles go to 9,400 kg to 11,500 kg with dolly

The CCRA and Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors say they appreciate the ongoing support and understanding of all stakeholders as these changes are implemented.