Public Works

Public Works Blog

Weight restrictions: They are coming, so be ready!

Posted On: February 08, 2023

Free mulch available at Chelan Transfer Station

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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Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

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    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

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    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on December 10, 2025

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
  • 06
    Dec 2025
    09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday - Dec. 6, 2025

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Drop-off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is Dec. 6.

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility
  • 05
    Dec 2025
    07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Veterans Service Office Dec. 5 Closure

    Posted by: Veterans Program

    The Veterans Service Office will be closed on Friday, December 5.

    Veterans Service Office