Bridge Weight Limit?

[BirdingRVer]

You are driving along and come to a wooden bridge that says “Maximum vehicle weight 16,000 pounds.

The truck weighs 10,000 pounds and the Montana weighs 15,000 pounds. Therefore each vehicle weighs less than 16,000 pounds but, the total is 25,000 pounds.

Do you cross the bridge or not?

[bncinwv]

Depends on the bridge, if both vehicles would be on the bridge simultaneously, I would most likely not chance it. I would be interested in knowing how these weight limits are arrived at, for instance, an interstate bridge is designed for many tractor trailers crossing at the same time. I have seen signs where it says for buses and trucks to cross one at a time. Wonder if the weight limits are for individual vehicles in combination or not? By the way, where is this bridge so I can avoid it if I can?
Bingo

[H. John Kohl]

When I see bridge limits I consider them talking about my total weight (almost 12 Ton). Some bridges do separate weights to the number of axles if semi or (tank) systems but if not designated I would not cross. I normally saw them on military bases.

[blarkman]

I would not cross any wooden bride that said my rig was over the limit irregardles of how many axles. If it says 16000# thats what it is.

[capn chris]

When in doubt, take different route!

[drsmart]

NOT

[Jdrobone]

John, I'm thinking that humongous weight they allow across the bridge (for tanks) at Onslow, is a result of the weight being spread out over the tracks.
Maybe not, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it
Jerry

[richfaa]

We were in Tennessee on a back scenic road (that means misdirected)(. Helen was driving. Saw a wooden floor bridge up ahead and a sign that said load limit 12 and the rest was covered by foliage but I figured it said 12 tons. we got right on it and the sign said 12,000 lbs. We weigh like 23,000 lbs.. I did not have time to panic before we were across the bridge and not through the bridge. Did you see that weight limit sign..said I..Yes said Helen it said 12 Tons ..no said I it said 12,000lbs.. eeeeeyaaaaaaa ... said both of us..

[Crossthread]

Grant try this site Bill
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal...Weight_Formula

[CamillaMichael]

quote:Originally posted by blarkman

I would not cross any wooden bride that said my rig was over the limit irregardles of how many axles. If it says 16000# thats what it is.

AGREE.

[TLightning]

quote:Originally posted by CamillaMichael

AGREE.

Me too...why take the chance.

[BirdingRVer]

The bridge is near Montpelier, Vermont. While pulling our 3400 with our long bed truck we came to a fork in the road and the GPS didn’t say which way to turn. Most of the traffic took the right fork and so did I. Not a block after making the turn the GPS says “Recalculating!”. The GPS said to make a left turn after a few blocks and I could see the bridge up ahead after I made a left turn. A couple of blocks later as I got close to the bridge I saw the “Maximum vehicle weight 16,000 pounds” sign. Naturally I am in traffic, on very narrow roads while all of this is going on. I made a right handed U-turn through a small crowded parking lot, used all of the lanes of the road as pulled out of the parking lot then used all of the lanes of an adjustment road to make a left turn to head back the way I came.

I didn't want to take the chance but what if two 10,000 pound pickups or delivery trucks crossed the bridge from different ends at the same time? Each driver would see the sign and think "No, problem I am under 16,000 pounds.