Alberta Transportation gives go ahead for New Generation Wide Base Single Tires on provincial highways

After many years of discussion and collaboration, and a successful pilot project, Alberta Transportation has announced, as of July 1, 2017, New Generation Wide Base Single Tires (NGWBST) are allowed to run on provincial highways.

The announcement was made by Brian Mason, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation. Alberta Transportation believes the environmental benefits of NGWBST outweigh any potential infrastructure impacts.

“I applaud the AMTA for looking at innovative solutions to support an industry that literally drives Alberta’s economy,” said Shaun Hammond, Assistant Deputy Minister at Alberta Transportation.  “The use of NGWBST is demonstrating an increase in fuel efficiency that is valuable to commercial transport operators. While the Alberta government, municipalities and industry must continue working together to monitor the impacts of wide base tires on public roadways, we support this partnership approach to meeting the challenges of climate change by using innovative means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

In July 2016, a pilot project involving Westcan Bulk Transport and Rosenau Transport was conducted using NGWBST. The pilot found fuel efficiency increased almost 8 per cent, and drivers reported a smoother ride and better traction.

“We are very pleased with this announcement,” says AMTA President Lorraine Card. “We appreciate Minister Mason’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gases as NGWBST prove beneficial to both industry and environment. The AMTA has always prided itself on a healthy working relationship with government and this is just one example of the many initiatives we continue to work on.”

Commercial drivers can run 455 millimetre NGWBST to operate under permit, with no per-kilometre fee, on the provincial highway system at loads equivalent to those allowed on dual-tire configuration.