Local roads not marking no truck routes.

Sounds like driving here in Saskatchewan, also Manitoba.
If they do put up a sign , like you say, it’s a half mile after you are already committed. I came upon an 8 ton bridge like that, but it was only ten feet long, so I only had one axle group at a time on it. I was grossing about 68 tons and had no problem. I wasn’t going to backup four miles if they are too cheap to put the sign up back where it would have been helpful.

 

I rely on my RM 740 since I haul HazMat. If I tell it what HazMat I'm hauling it does a good job. When it's wrong, it ALWAYS wrong saying an OK route is restricted and NEVER (so far) saying a restricted route is OK. It will also take note of the size/weight/width dimensions of my truck, if I enter them.

 

I just drive through them. I've driven over many 5T bridges, down no truck routes, etc. The only thing I will pull over for is a low clearance. When I was hauling fuel to gas stations you would run down these local roads every day, so you just learn to stop worrying and caring. Not saying it's right, but it is what it is.

 

I think the primary reason for putting no truck or weight limit signs well after you are committed to a road is the local government wanting ticket revenue. That being said, here's how I deal with it.

1. Stop, set your parking brake, turn on the 4-ways, put out triangles, then call the local police and explain your predicament. I've done this several times, never got a ticket, sometimes an apology from the officer for bad signage, and always got thanked for the call.

2. If a good turn around is available well behind me on a country road I often back up a mile or more. Get out and walk to figure it out. Locals often stop to help.

3. If I have time, like on a 30 minute break or taking a 10, I "predrive" the small road route in Google Street View. Often you see those signs and realize it's a no go.

4. If I can't find a good route with Google or my Rand McNally GPS I call the customer. Sometimes their recommended route is restricted. In that case call the local police and get their advice, "Oh THAT road...yeah it's the only way to several businesses, we should have taken down the signs long ago." < true story...

I frequently have to take restricted routes getting to and from oil wells. We are provided with turn by turn directions and can't vary from them. Sometimes there are provisions, like certain hours are restricted or speed limits for oilfield traffic is set at 15 mph for example.

Frequently that route might mean crossing bridges with weight limits as little as 4 tons, but usually those are short bridges over a culvert. Some of the dirt county "roads" can get very very interesting

 

Lol woodys is famous Redirect Notice

 

Be sure to frequently update your truck GPS. Every update improves road and route accuracy.

 

Get trucker gps like garmin or Rand. They are accurate. Oops I see u did that. Ok just follow woodys advice.