If a bridge says 35 Ton Limit, would you cross it?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by A Bug, Nov 26, 2014.

  1. A Bug

    A Bug Heavy Load Member

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    Louisiana seems to have a ton of these bridges that like to scare trucks away. Even the overpass leading to truck stops off of the highway will be labelled with a 35 ton limit.

    So if you know you are over 70,000 pounds, do you still go for it and hope no one notices your sagging bulky trailer?
     
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  3. Busasamurai

    Busasamurai Light Load Member

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    I would tell them I thought it was a long ton which is 2240 .So that would equal 78,400....Hammer Down...
     
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  4. x#1

    x#1 Road Train Member

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    sagging and bulky trailer? the only sagging trailers i've ever seen had broken springs or busted air bags but the bulky trailers i see are generally chip haulers or the carpet haulers(I was one!) back in the day that had the sides blown out due to the large rolls of carpet shoved in making the trailers look pregnant.

    to answer you question,yes i would cross it.why not if you must to get to where you are going. don't be scared or you'll never enjoy life-
     
  5. Grumppy

    Grumppy Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    You're right. At exit 49 on I-20 in Louisiana, there is a 35 ton overpass. If your east bound, you gotta cross that to get to all 4 truck stops on the north side of the interstate. Since probably a couple hundred trucks use that overpass daily including me a couple of times a week, I would say its ok to cross that one.
     
  6. tucker

    tucker Road Train Member

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    Imagine meeting a truck on the bridge, you both weigh 35 tons, now if it's a 4 lane highway and you're both being passed by another truck weighing 35 tons, that's 160 tons on that bridge.
     
  7. KW Cajun

    KW Cajun Road Train Member

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    A smart Cajun always carries a tank of helium inside his dry van, and cracks the valve open right before approaching bridge, as a foolproof way. Yep, Hammer Down!
     
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  8. Grumppy

    Grumppy Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    When DOTD sets weight limits on bridges, it takes into account the amount of traffic that could possibly be on the bridge at any time. So, if this overpass, could actually accommodate 4 trucks in each lane, that's 8 trucks at 70,000 lb = 560,000 lb total.

    Just FWIW, I dont know exactly how they figure it but this is a basic scenario. They have some formula they use to determain total weight etc, etc.
     
    Last edited: Nov 27, 2014
  9. LittleMissCabover

    LittleMissCabover Light Load Member

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    The answer is YES. Hitch up your big girl panties; or grow a pair, whichever you choose, and CROSS THAT BRIDGE when you come to it !!!!
     
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  10. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    I've crossed 15 ton limit bridges fully loaded.Not by choice but there was no where to turn around.
     
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  11. Stew209

    Stew209 Medium Load Member

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    There are a lot of these in Arkansas out on the country farm roads. I came across one that said 18ton limit, I was at 40tons. I had no choice and just kept going.
     
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