SB742: Overweight permits; exempts fire & emergency apparatus from weight limits on bridges & culverts.

SENATE BILL NO. 742
Offered January 10, 2007
Prefiled October 30, 2006
A BILL to amend and reenact § 46.2-1130 of the Code of Virginia, relating to crossing of bridges and culverts by certain fire apparatus responding to an emergency call.
Patron-- Miller

Referred to Committee on Transportation

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That § 46.2-1130 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 46.2-1130. Crossing bridge or culvert by vehicle heavier than allowed; where weight signs to be erected.

No vehicle shall cross any bridge or culvert in the Commonwealth if the gross weight of such vehicle is greater than the amount posted for the bridge or culvert as its carrying capacity. This prohibition shall not apply to fire apparatus responding to an emergency call, provided that the weight of the vehicle is not such as to cause immediate structural damage to the bridge or culvert.

Signs stating the carrying capacity shall be erected and maintained near each end of the bridge or culvert on the approaches to such bridge or culvert. Whenever the weight capacity of any structure on the interstate or primary system is reduced below the weight limit permitted on the road of which it is a part, a sign indicating that there is a restricted structure shall be placed in advance of the last alternate route on the road upon which there is a restricted structure. Whenever the weight capacity of any structure is reduced below the weight limit permitted on the road of which it is a part, a sign indicating that there is a restricted structure, shall be placed in advance of the last alternate route on the road upon which there is a restricted structure.