News

Large Loads on Local Roads

Posted & filed under LHTAC News.

Beginning July 1st, routes in Idaho that allow 129,000 pound loads will be expanded to include the interstate system.  With this expansion, more local roads will be accessible to these large load trucks. With that, producers and carriers are wishing to take advantage of the opportunity to reduce shipping costs by increasing the weight of each load, thereby reducing the number of needed trips. 

Any load, with a proper permit, in excess of 105,500 pounds but not exceeding 129,000 pounds is restricted to certain routes. These designated routes can be found on the Idaho Transportation Department’s (ITD) official map (http://www.itd.idaho.gov/dmv/cvs/129K/RoutesApproved_129k.pdf).

While requesting a new route is the responsibility of the carrier, the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) recommends each local highway jurisdiction (LHJ) establish a good procedure for handling them.  It is a significant issue that could have major impacts on each local system.

Where to start
Gathering the necessary information to begin an adequate study of a requested route is the essential first step.  The following should be included at a minimum:

  • A map showing the requested route;
  • Contact information of the company or individual making the request for the new route;
  • The name of the road(s) along with the beginning and ending mile post and/or address of the desired route;
  • The approved state highway route number that provides access to the proposed local route;
  • Justification for the establishment of the new route including the economic benefit to the community;
  • The approximate number of trips that will occur annually;
  • Commodities that will be transported;
  • The number of axles and axle spacing of the vehicle/s proposed to be used;
  • And the anticipated start date to use the requested routes.

To help gather this information, we recommend using ITD Form 4886. It can be found at http://itd.idaho.gov/129K/default.htm.

What to do next
Next the LHJ should determine the anticipated costs associated with conducting an engineering study to analyze the safety and structural capacity of the pavement and bridges on the proposed route.  Some jurisdictions may have the information available and the engineering staff to complete it. Others may need to outsource this. Any costs associated with gathering this information, such as hiring a consulting engineer, should be paid for by the applicant.  Alternatively, the LHJ may allow the requesting applicant to prepare the analysis and submit it back to them for review.  Don’t forget, during any time in this process LHTAC is here to assist. We may be able to help obtain some of the bridge information or determining what engineering is necessary. Don’t hesitate to contact us as a resource.

Holding a public meeting
After the route has been analyzed the information must be presented to the governing body in a public meeting.  If it is found that the conditions required in Idaho Code 49-1004A(2) are not met, the body may deny the application and notify the applicant.  If the proposal meets all of the required conditions, the LHJ should schedule a public hearing and publish notice.  The findings of the engineering analysis should be presented and all public testimony heard.  The testimony during the public hearing should be recorded so it can be transcribed if necessary.
Following the close of the public hearing, the governing body will issue findings and a decision on the application.  This should be done in the form of a resolution.  The applicant should then be notified of the decision.

Notify ITD
If the route is approved, ITD must be notified so that the new route can be included on the official Designated Routes up to 129,000 Pounds Map.

Issue a permit
Finally the LHJ must issue an over legal permit for each vehicle addressing the weight of the vehicle and the length.

LHTAC has been working closely with ITD to provide information and resources on overlegal loads.  A manual and PowerPoint presentation specifically designed to help LHJs understand extra length and excess weight permitting will soon be available.   We are also working to provide the opportunity for the LHJ extra length, excess weight permits to be issued by ITD on approved routes.  This should reduce the confusion and extra administrative burden as new routes are being added to the system.  Each LHJ has control of the route designation and permitting process; however, consistency in implementation throughout the state will result in the less impact to already stretched resources.  By preparing for the coming changes now we can make wise decisions when the application arrives.