Public Works

County Bridges

County Bridges

Weight-Restricted Bridges

Several bridges in Chelan County are under weight restrictions. For these bridges, a vehicle's gross weight must not exceed the limits set by state laws. It is unlawful for the operator of any vehicle to drive upon these bridges when the gross load limit exceeds the weight in tons as set forth for these bridges.

In addition, new load-rating signs have been installed at some Chelan County bridges because of changes in federal requirements.The new federal requirements take into account Specialized Hauling Vehicles, or SHVs, and their ability to haul maximum loads allowed by law. SHVs are closely spaced, multi-axle, single-unit trucks that oftentimes consist of moveable axles that raise or lower as needed for weight, allowing them to carry higher loads concentrated over shorter distance. Examples include dump trucks, construction vehicles, solid waste trucks and other cargo-hauling trucks.

Resolution 2021-7 lists the county's weight-restricted bridges and those bridges impacted by the new federal regulations regarding SHVs.

Do you need to fill out an application, asking to haul an overweight load over a county bridge? Or are you looking for more information about the application process? Please call us at 509-667-6415 if you have any questions.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

The permit is available here. The permit is for single trips only unless otherwise indicated on the permit. A minimum of seven working days is needed to evaluate and perform an analysis if one has not been done before for the specific truck and bridge combination.

To determine if you need a permit, first determine your route. Does it use any bridges in the unincorporated areas of Chelan County? If the answer is yes, follow this flow chart. If you have any questions, call us at Chelan County Public Works at 509-667-6415.

Federal regulations require that bridges subject to the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) receive a routine bridge inspection at least once every 24 months. Chelan County currently has 50 bridges subject to the NBIS that are open to vehicular traffic on its 647-mile road system. Some bridges warrant an inspection every 12 months based on their present condition.

A load rating report is performed for each bridge in the NBIS inventory by a professional structural engineer in accordance with federal and state regulations. A bridge load rating is the measure of the bridge’s load-carrying capacity. Chelan County has six NBIS bridges with weight restrictions.

Many vehicles like school buses, fire engines and ambulances are still allowed, depending on their weight and the loads they carry. Truck companies and agencies can visit Resolution 2021-7 for details about bridges, truck types and load limits. Or, if you have questions, email us at public.works@co.chelan.wa.us. Inquiries should include:

  • Truck weights (including loads)
  • Truck type
  • Your destination

Or, fill out the overweight load permit for bridges and email it to us.

Posted: 07/25/2019 02:40 PM
Last Updated: 01/22/2021 03:22 PM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 21
    Jan 2025
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Ballots will be mailed to voters

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Ballots will be mailed to voters

  • 10
    Jan 2025
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Ballots mailed for military, overseas and out of state voters

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Ballots mailed for Military, Overseas and Out of State voters

  • 08
    Jan 2025
    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 January 8, 2025.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
  • 08
    Jan 2025
    01:00 PM - 02:00 PM

    Hearing Examiner - January 8, 2025

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person at 400 Douglas St.
  • 04
    Jan 2025
    09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Drop-off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is Dec. 7.

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility