Policy Number:
W & D AM 202
Weights and Dimensions
Administration Manual
Section:
Subject:
NON DIVISIBLE LOADS AND VEHICLES
BUILDING MOVES
DEFINITION
A building move is moving an existing structure from one location to another. A building is a structure
that has a roof and four walls and includes a house, garage, church but does not include grain bins and
tanks.
NOTICE
1. For buildings with a base wider than 7.32 meters (24 feet), a minimum of 24 hours is required for a
permit application involving a building move made exclusively on provincial highway(s).
2. For buildings with a base width wider than 7.32 meters (24 feet), a minimum of 48 hours’ notice is
required for a permit application involving a building move on municipal and provincial highway.
3. The notice period is in effect during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through
Friday excluding statutory holidays). The notice period will start over if changes are made to the
route or building dimensions.
4. The 24 or 48 hour notice begins when the application is faxed back to the mover, not when the
application is received in the Permit Office.
ROUTING
1. The building mover is required to conduct a route assessment:
(a) Pre-drive the proposed route to identify any potential obstructions and ensure safe passage of
the vehicle.
(b) Route approval must also be obtained from any other appropriate authority for any structures,
signs, overhead lines, etc. encountered on the route. This would include utility companies or
municipalities if an obstruction exists, or CN, CP or Shortline when crossing a railway. When a
building is higher than 5.18 m the route must be cleared by SaskPower.
(c) Any power and telephone lines that have to be lifted or removed to assure safe passage must be
done so by the owner of the line. Railway warning devices, signals and overhead lines are to be
moved only by authorized personnel designated by the owner of the facility.
2. For loads exceeding 7.32 m (24 ft.) wide, travel on those highways restricted in (3) will only be
allowed for short distances where there is no reasonable alternate public road available, or where
the origin or delivery point is on the designated highway.
3. Travel on the following two lane highways will only be allowed subject to Ministry of Highways and
Infrastructure Policy Advisor approval where there is no reasonable alternate public road available:
(a) Provincial Highway #5, from Saskatoon to Humboldt
(b) Provincial Highway #6, from Southey to Junction Highway #39
(c) Provincial Highway #7
(d) Provincial Highway #10, from Junction Highway #1 to Junction Highway #15
(e) Provincial Highway #39, from Junction Highway #6 to U.S. Border
(f) Provincial Highway #16, portions east of Saskatoon
Page 1 of 7
Policy Number:
W & D AM 202
Weights and Dimensions
Administration Manual
Section:
Subject:
NON DIVISIBLE LOADS AND VEHICLES
BUILDING MOVES
4. Routes are subject to:
(a) bridge and structural limitations;
(b) signs and other road markers;
(c) traffic volumes;
(d) time of day versus traffic volume; and
(e) whether additional assistance is required for traffic control on a primary highway.
5. Densely populated areas, tourism sites during peak seasons or hazardous terrain should be avoided
whenever possible. Mealtime restrictions apply. No travel is permitted within 25 km of all major
urban centers (Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Yorkton, North
Battleford and Lloydminster):
(a) 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
(b) 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
(c) 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
6. Travel on four lane highways is allowed under the following conditions:
(a) Travel will be allowed for buildings moved on beams and dollies equipped with fully functional
brakes and suspension.
(b) Bridge engineer approval is required if exceeding 70,000 kg GVW.
WEIGHT
1. The carrier shall provide an accurate weight estimate of the building when applying for the permit.
A weight estimation can be determined from the crib jack gauges by utilizing the following formula:
(a) Individual crib jack load weight = sq. inches on top of crib jack x psi.
(b) Total load weight can be determined by totaling all of the individual crib jack weights as
determined above.
(c) Weight is in pounds.
(d) Equipment (tarp weight, etc.) is in addition to this estimate.
2. If a weight is not available using the method described above, the following formula can be utilized
to determine an alternative weight estimation for the building structure:
(a) Building Weight (in pounds) = 44 x length (ft.) x width (ft.).
OR
(b) Building Weight (in kilograms) = 20 x length (ft.) x width (ft.).
(c) Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) = Building Weight + Tare Weight (weight of towing vehicle, beams
and dollies).
3. Permits may be issued to the weight limits in the Axle Combination Weights, subsection (9).
4. Weights are subject to Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure bridge approval.
5. For the purpose of establishing a legal benchmark for configurations that utilize a 16-wheeled axle
group (or two dollies each with eight tires), the maximum legal weight on primary highways will be
17,000 kg and the maximum legal weight on secondary highways will be 14,500 kg.
Page 2 of 7
Policy Number:
W & D AM 202
Weights and Dimensions
Administration Manual
Section:
Subject:
NON DIVISIBLE LOADS AND VEHICLES
BUILDING MOVES
6. For the purpose of establishing a legal benchmark for configurations that utilize a 24-wheeled axle
group (or two dollies each with 12 tires), the maximum legal weight on both primary highways is
23,000 kg and on secondary highways is 20,000 kg.
7. Spring Weight Restrictions – Spring Weight Restrictions on provincial highways and municipal roads
apply to building moves in Saskatchewan. The maximum weight on a tandem axle group including
16 wheelers is 6.25 kg/mm width up to 14,500 kg. The maximum weight on a tridem axle group
including 24 wheelers (or two dollies each with 12 tires) is 6.25 kg/mm tire width up to a maximum
of 20,000 kg .
8. Bridge approval is required for all loads where the gross vehicle weight exceeds 70,000 kg,
9. RM approval for weight is required for all loads where the gross vehicle weight exceeds 54,500 kg
10. Axle Combination Weights – refer to the last page of this policy for the maximum allowable weights.
Page 3 of 7
Policy Number:
W & D AM 202
Weights and Dimensions
Administration Manual
Section:
Subject:
NON DIVISIBLE LOADS AND VEHICLES
BUILDING MOVES
DIMENSIONS
Unlimited, subject to route approval.
PERMIT CONDITIONS
In addition to the applicable conditions in Section 900 the following additions and exceptions apply:
1. Effective January 1, 2012, all beams and dollies used to move buildings in excess of 7.32 m at the
base shall be equipped with fully functional brakes and suspension on all axles. Ministry of
Highways and Infrastructure (MHI) approval will be required if beams and dollies do not have
brakes and/or suspension.
2. Buildings are not allowed to travel:
(a) Between sunset and sunrise, as defined in Policy Number W & D AM 901, except as stipulated in
Permit Condition 3 and 4;
(b) From 3:00 p.m. Fridays to sunrise the following Monday.
(c) From 3:00 p.m. on the day prior to a Public Holiday until sunrise the first working day following
the holiday.
(d) On any highway under construction unless prior arrangements have been made with the
Contractor and MHI Regional Construction staff.
(e) When visibility is reduced to less than 1500 m.
(f) When the roadway is covered with snow, sleet or ice, which impedes the driver’s or other
motorists ability to drive in a safe manner. The carrier is required to make a reasonable effort to
determine the driving conditions on the route. “Reasonable effort” means checking weather
conditions and forecasts and, when appropriate, contacting the Highway Hotline to check
driving conditions. This can be done:
a. Online at: http://www.highways.gov.sk.ca/road-conditions
b. By Phone for Saskatoon and Area: 1-306-933-8333
c. By Phone for Regina and Area: 1-306-787-7623
d. Toll Free Nation Wide: 1-888-335-7623
(g) If adverse weather conditions exist on the determined route, the building move will not
commence.
(h) When unexpected adverse conditions are encountered during a move, they must stop at the
next safe location (or as directed by a peace officer) and wait for the adverse conditions to
abate. Wide loads must not stop on the side of a highway (field or yard approach) if any part of
the vehicle or load extends into a driving lane or shoulder.
3. Mealtime restrictions apply. No travel is permitted within 25 km of all major urban centers
(Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Yorkton, North Battleford and
Lloydminster):
(a) 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
(b) 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
(c) 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Page 4 of 7
Policy Number:
W & D AM 202
Weights and Dimensions
Administration Manual
Section:
Subject:
NON DIVISIBLE LOADS AND VEHICLES
BUILDING MOVES
4. Buildings will be allowed travel between the hours of midnight and sunrise, within 25 km of major
centers (Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Yorkton, North Battleford, and
Lloydminster), subject to the following conditions:
(a) No parking permitted on provincial highways.
(b) No movement from sunset to midnight.
(c) No movement after midnight on Friday or Saturday.
(d) No movement after midnight on Sunday when Monday is a statutory holiday.
(e) No movement during other time periods as indicated in Permit Conditions, (Sec. 2).
(f) On two-lane highways, for travel between midnight and sunrise (where allowed), a minimum of
two lead escorts and one trail escort are required for all buildings exceeding 4.45 m (15 feet)
width. Additional escorts may be used as required.
(g) On four-lane highways, for travel between midnight and sunrise (where allowed), a minimum of
one lead escort and two trail escorts are required for all buildings exceeding 4.45 m (15 feet)
width. Additional escorts may be used as required.
(h) The third escort vehicle may be the supplementary towing unit (when not being used for
towing) or the truck used to carry the blocking and timbers. If used as a third escort, this truck
must be placed in the most suitable position to facilitate the safe movement of the load and the
safe movement of traffic.
(i) Amber lights are required along the length of load on both sides of the entire structure and
spaced no more than 7.6 meters apart. Such amber lights shall be placed between 0.375 and
1.525 meters from the ground and must be visible to oncoming traffic from a distance of 150
meters. Additional lighting and signage may be used to warn motorists.
(j) Amber jumbo lights:
a. Two jumbo amber flashing lights visible from all directions shall be mounted on the front
and rear of the building and placed within 0.1 meters of the edge of the building.
b. Shall be marked SAE W and SAE W3 by the manufacturer of the lamps.
c. Jumbo lights shall be a minimum of:
• 102 millimetres x 152 millimetres rectangular, or
• 175 millimetres in diameter
(k) All escort vehicles must be equipped in accordance with the Vehicle Weight and Dimension
Regulations.
Page 5 of 7
Policy Number:
W & D AM 202
Weights and Dimensions
Administration Manual
Section:
Subject:
NON DIVISIBLE LOADS AND VEHICLES
BUILDING MOVES
5. Building Move Equipment Requirements – Buildings Greater than 7.32 m (24 feet):
(a) Buildings greater than 7.32 m at the base (24 feet) require beams and dollies.
(b) Effective January 1, 2012, all beams and dollies used to move buildings in excess of 7.32 m at the
base shall be equipped with fully functional brakes and suspension on all axles.
6. Building Move Equipment Requirements – Buildings less than or equal to 7.32 m (24 feet)
(a) Buildings less than 7.32 m:
a. Beams and dollies are allowed for buildings less than 7.32 m wide.
b. Specialized trailers designed for building move may be used for buildings up to 7.32m wide.
These trailers are typically wide track width, drop deck, trombone trailers with outrigger
frames that extend up to 1.83m (6 feet) on either side of the trailer.
c. Semi-trailers - Only drop deck trailers may be used. The maximum building width is twice
the deck width. For example, if the trailer is 2.6 m (8 feet 6 inches) wide, the maximum
overhang on each side should be restricted to less than 1.3 m (4 feet 3 inches). The
maximum width of the building allowed in this case would be 5.2 m (17 feet) wide.
(b) Over 6.1 m wide
a. With the exception of manufactured homes, once the building exceeds 6.1 m (20 feet) wide,
it must be moved on either beams and dollies, or a specialized building move trailer
designed for moving buildings that has been approved by the Saskatchewan Ministry of
Highways and Infrastructure. The minimum track width on a trailer used for buildings 6.1 m
wide or wider is 3.05 m.
7. For building moves on two-lane highways, the unit must travel as far as practical on the right side of
the road, except for passing obstructions. All efforts shall be made to minimize intrusion into the
oncoming lane. Travel on the shoulder is allowed.
8. For building moves on four-lane highways, the unit must travel in the right lane only except for
passing obstructions. All efforts shall be made to allow the left lane to remain unencumbered.
Travel on the shoulder is allowed.
9. The towing vehicle must have adequate power to maintain a minimum speed of 20 km/h on any
portion of the provincial highway traveled on.
10. Traffic must not be allowed to accumulate behind a building being moved on a highway. Sufficient
opportunity must be provided to allow traffic to pass safely.
11. A building move must not interfere with the passage of a school bus transporting children.
PERMIT AVAILABILITY
Single trip permits are available.
Page 6 of 7
Policy Number:
W & D AM 202
Weights and Dimensions
Administration Manual
Section:
Subject:
NON DIVISIBLE LOADS AND VEHICLES
BUILDING MOVES
AXLE COMBINATION WEIGHTS
Allowable weights for beams and dollies:
2 x 8 wheel tandems
For all combinations:
If gap is greater than 1.8
metres the combined weight
shall not exceed 34,000
kilograms.
If gap is less than 1.8 metres,
the combined weight shall not
exceed 25,000 kilograms.
•
The weight on an eight
wheel tandem shall not
exceed 17,000 kilograms.
•
The weight on a twelve
wheel tridem shall not
exceed 24,000 kilograms.
•
The weight on a tire shall
not exceed ten kilograms
per millimetre of tire width.
•
The weight on a tire shall
not exceed the rated
capacity of the tire.
2 x 12 wheel tridems
If gap is greater than 1.8
metres the combined weight
shall not exceed 48,000
kilograms.
Requires minimum axle spread
of 3.0 metres.
If gap is less than 1.8 metres
the combined weight shall not
exceed 34,000 kilograms.
4 x 8 wheel tandems
With interaxle spacing of 3.6
metres or greater:
With interaxle spacing less than
3.6 metres:
If gap is greater than 1.8
metres the combined weight
shall not exceed 68,000
kilograms.
If gap is greater than 1.8
metres the combined weight
shall not exceed 56,000
kilograms.
If gap is less than 1.8 metres,
the combined weight shall not
exceed 50,000 kilograms.
If gap is less than 1.8 metres,
the combined weight shall not
exceed 42,000 kilograms.
Page 7 of 7