Public Works
Public Works Blog
Weight restrictions: They are coming, so be ready!
Posted On: February 08, 2023
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:
- Temporary weight restriction signs will be placed on impacted county roadways.
- We update the public via our Public Works emails. Sign up online.
- We will post the information, with frequent updates, on our Traffic Alerts and Restrictions webpage and our Facebook page.
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.
Older Articles
With river construction comes underwater sound monitoring
Posted On: August 12, 2020
At the West Cashmere Bridge replacement project, you might get the chance to see an “acoustician” on site when the contractor is driving steel pilings...
Read More arrow_forwardIn-water work begins July 15 on West Cashmere Bridge project
Posted On: July 13, 2020
With in-water construction related to the West Cashmere Bridge replacement project scheduled to begin July 15, Chelan County reminds recreationists on...
Read More arrow_forwardWill the chip sealing crew be in your area this summer?
Posted On: June 15, 2020
This year, the county road crew starts chip sealing the week of June 22. Do you know if they'll be on your street?...
Read More arrow_forwardRoad crews hit the road with COVID precautions in place
Posted On: June 04, 2020
Chelan County road crews are back on the road in full force after more than two months of working with reduced crew sizes during the governor’s Stay H...
Read More arrow_forwardHeaded to the MRWF? Secure that load for safe travels!
Posted On: December 11, 2019
The new Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility is open to the public. The facility is at 3612 Highway 97A in Wenatchee....
Read More arrow_forwardCode of the West: A reminder that life is different in the country
Posted On: September 06, 2019
The Code of the West was adopted in 2002 by Chelan County commissioners. It is not a formal code, but rather a philosophy or friendly advice for peopl...
Read More arrow_forwardIt's always wise to stay off the (wet) lines
Posted On: June 18, 2019
Roadway striping plays a valuable role in efforts to keep travelers safe on the roadway. The Traffic Safety crew of Chelan County Public Works re-stri...
Read More arrow_forwardIn an emergency, don't let your address delay help from reaching you
Posted On: January 15, 2019
Have you ever asked yourself the question: When seconds count, how easily will emergency responders be able to find my home? Learn how your address ma...
Read More arrow_forwardWinter is coming -- it's time to remove any vehicles parked along the roadside
Posted On: November 08, 2018
With Chelan County Public Works now preparing for winter and the inevitable snowfall that will come with it, our road crews are asking residents to re...
Read More arrow_forwardPreserving a piece of Cashmere's history
Posted On: October 22, 2018
Those people interested in giving the West Cashmere Bridge a new home -- and preserving its history -- have until Jan. 1, 2019, to contact Chelan Coun...
Read More arrow_forward