Public Works

Public Works Blog

Weight restrictions: They are coming, so be ready!

Posted On: February 08, 2023

Weekend county snowplow operations differ from weekday operations

It’s that time of the year again, when the warming temps may bring temporary weight restrictions on county roads. While we don’t have any restrictions yet, freight haulers should be paying attention; notice typically goes out 24 hours in advance of weight restrictions being placed on a roadway.

Seasonal snowmelt and runoff can soften roadways, potentially leading to costly damages. Temporary weight restrictions are put in place annually to protect the roadways from such damage. Only emergency vehicles, school buses or vehicles possessing a special permit issued by the County Engineer are exempt.

New this year, vehicles that have a gross weight of 34,000 pounds or less do not need a special permit. We do ask these drivers to try their best to stay off road shoulders.

The seasonal weight restrictions apply to county roads; they do not impact load-rated bridges. Haulers will still need to verify if any of their proposed routes include a load-restricted bridge and then adhere to the specific restrictions of that structure. Read more about Chelan County’s weight-restricted bridges on our County Bridges webpage.

How will you know if weight restrictions have been put in place on a county road? Though we can’t tell you exactly when the temporary weight restrictions are coming, we do know they are inevitable. We alert the public in a variety of ways:

The free permit must be handed in by 10 a.m. Monday through Thursday prior to the day that haulers will travel. (If you must travel on a Monday, the permit must be received by the Thursday prior.)

When restrictions are in place, haulers are encouraged to send the permit application via email (public.works@co.chelan.wa.us) or fax (509-667-6250). Call the office (509-667-6415) if you have questions.


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Posted On: April 05, 2021


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Posted On: July 13, 2020

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Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 18
    Dec 2024
    01:00 PM - 03:00 PM

    Hearing Examiner - December 18, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person
  • 18
    Dec 2024
    06:00 PM - 09:00 PM

    Planning Commission - December 18, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    400 Douglas Street
  • 11
    Dec 2024
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on December 11, 2024.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
  • 04
    Dec 2024
    09:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    Hearing Examiner - December 4, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    Chelan County Administrative Building or zoom
  • 26
    Nov 2024
    01:30 PM - 02:00 PM

    Public Meeting: Certify Election

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office