The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) wanted to make you aware of new regulations concerning certain fire and emergency vehicles as well as new signage you may soon see on and near interstate bridges.
On Dec. 4, 2015, the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act was signed into law. With the enactment of the FAST Act, state and local governments are now moving forward with implementation of the weight increases allowed for certain Emergency Vehicles (EV’s). The weight increases will pertain to the interstate system and one mile access to and from the interstate. (State Routes and county and city roads are not affected unless within the one mile access area)
The FAST Act defines an emergency vehicle as one designed to be used under emergency conditions to transport personnel and equipment to support the suppression of fires and mitigation of other hazardous situations (23 U.S.C. 127(r)(2)). The gross vehicle weight limit for EV’s is 86,000 pounds under section 127(r). The statute imposes the following additional limits, depending upon vehicle configuration:
· 24,000 pounds on a single steering axle
· 33,500 pounds on a single drive axle
· 62,000 pounds on a tandem axle
· 52,000 pounds on a tandem rear drive steer axle
Under the FAST Act, WSDOT has started analyzing bridges and structures affected by the FAST Act EV weight increases – to determine if the bridges can safely handle the increased weight. WSDOT should have all analysis completed by the end of 2019, but results so far have shown that several structures on the interstate system will require new posting for EV limits and restrictions.
WSDOT will use the posting signs below, as recommended by the Federal Highway Administration.
Emergency Vehicle Postings
WSDOT has compiled a list of bridges with EV postings. You can access this list at the following location:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/NR/rdonlyres/47F0B3D7-5247-46F8-8C5E-4993D4F3F96E/0/EmergencyVehiclesBridgeRestrictions.pdf
This list will be updated if additional bridges with EV limits are identified. Please be on the lookout for these signs. If they affect routes your agency may use during emergency response please make alternate route plans or contact WSDOT for further information.
Things to keep in mind about these new EV signs and weight limits:
· The signs and posted limits apply only to Emergency Vehicles that are above the listed limits (many EVs will be under the limits).
· The FAST Act only pertains to the interstate and one-mile access to and from the interstate.
· Under existing law, permits are required once outside the one-mile access area when weight of the Emergency Vehicle exceeds what is authorized in RCW 46.44.190(4).
Questions/Contacts
Technical questions about bridges and structures and weight limits: Mohamad Al-Salman, alsalm@wsdot.wa.gov or 360-570-2567.
Firefighting truck permits outside the intestate system: Justin Heryford, HeryfoJ@wsdot.wa.gov or 360-705-7987.