Weight limits and short bridges

I wouldn't cross it if I didn't have to. I'm sure that explaining to a cop that "technically I wasn't exceeding the weight limit of that bridge", probably is not going to go your way. However, if I was in a pinch, and no one was looking....

Then again, if your in a location where your having to cross 1 bridge you ain't supposed to, could be indicator that there's more to follow and you might find yourself in a really unpleasant situation.

 

By thinking that no one is looking, can you be sure? NEVER take such a chance. The limit is there for a reason. You could lose your job for what, lack of going around? Then too, what ever entity owns that bridge, can claim you permanently damaged it, and your company HAS to pay. Not ever worth any risk.

 

No. Its based on axle not over all weight.
Sorry I'm wrong this is not correct. Please disregard.

 

Yes, means you'll have 34K on trailer leaving 46K on truck so the limit is 48K and there will not be that much weight on the bridge all at one given time.

 

Its to protect the bridge form damage over time. Not necessarily from immediate collapse if you exceed it. Your betting that your not the one to break the camels back.

 

24 short ton is 48 thousand. Your axle weight should be 34 thousand around that mark. So thats legal.???

 

Generally, the bridge is under rated, like TNMT sez, but it's a crap shoot. I probably wouldn't take the chance, unless you have no choice. If it's a short bridge, and you were loaded, you'll probably make it, but who knows nowadays, there could be some goofy electronic gizmo sending a message to the Pentagon, informing the govt. of such an action (I'm the paranoid type) Once, many years ago, I was on a 2 lane highway, and came up on a 40 ton bridge, I was loaded 80K, and it was a pretty long bridge. Just as I got on the bridge, I met another 18 coming the other way, we met right in the middle of the bridge. I grabbed the CB and said, "hey driver, you loaded"? He said, " Yep, 80K". I said, "well, I guess we tested the bridge".

 

http://m.thesouthern.com/news/local...cle_6cf6597e-170a-11e3-aea7-0019bb2963f4.html

First thing DOT did was weigh the truck. Luckily for him (and his company), he was 79 & change...legal.

Those weight limits are nothing more than somebody's best guess at what the bridge ought to safely carry on a regular basis...just like most inspections are only visual, and may not take into consideration internal damages and stressed components that are hidden from view.

Bottom line, a bridge marked 3-ton limit might safely support a severely overloaded log truck, while a 40-ton limit bridge could collapse under the weight of a legally loaded truck.