Bridge weight limits
 

Okay, I THINK I know the answer to this.... but I want to check with you "experts." :wink:

There are many bridges I run across, say around K.C., that say "weight limit 50 tons." (or 60.... whatever.)

A loaded CMV weighs about 40 tons. These bridges are sometimes 3 lanes wide in one direction.

If THREE loaded CMV's are side by side on the bridge, that's 120 tons. How do they figure these LIMITS?

If, as I suspect, they are for each LANE, what about 3 CMV's in an "elephant train" (all in one lane) and all on the bridge at one time? Is it by "spans?"

Obviously, they don't fall down like the I-35W in MPLS!! So, how is the rating based? What is SAFE?

Not worried..... just wondering!

Hobo

I always assumed they were referring to the single vehicle weight limit. I can't imagine a way for any driver to try and deal with the weights of other vehicles as he approaches and crosses a bridge.

Whereas a five axle CMV has a standard GVW of 40 tons, I have been under the impression that more axles and special permits could get around this limitation. In that case, the 50 or 60 ton vehicle would have to conform to the posted limits of a given bridge.

The weight limits are for a single vehicle.

If a super load is coming through, the police may temporarily shut the road down due to extreme weight.