§ 13.08.020. Emergency closure and load restrictions on public highways.

(1)

In accordance with the provisions of RCW 46.44.080, whenever due to emergency conditions the use of a public highway by all vehicles, or by vehicles whose gross tire loads exceed those described in either schedule contained in subsection (2) of this section, will damage the highway or will be dangerous to traffic using the highway, the director shall without delay close such highway temporarily to all vehicles or to a designated class of vehicles, as the case may be, by posting notices at each end of the closed portion of highway and at all intersecting public highways.

(2)

When imposing load restrictions pursuant to this section, the director shall specify and display by posted signs whichever of the following schedules of emergency load restrictions is necessary to protect the highway from damage in accordance with the conditions then existing.

EMERGENCY LOAD RESTRICTIONS
CONVENTIONAL TIRES		TUBELESS OR SPECIAL WITH .5 MARKING
Tire Size	Gross Load Each Tire	Tire Size	Gross Load Each Tire
7.00	1800 lbs.	8-22.5	2250 lbs.
7.50	2250 lbs.	9-22.5	2800 lbs.
8.25	2800 lbs.	10-22.5	3400 lbs.
9.00	3400 lbs.	11-22.5	4000 lbs.
10.00	4000 lbs.	11-24.5	4000 lbs.
11.00	4500 lbs.	12-22.5	4500 lbs.
12.00 and over	4500 lbs.	12-24.5 and over	4500 lbs.

 

Tire Size	Gross Load Each Tire	Tire Size	Gross Load Each Tire
SEVERE EMERGENCY LOAD RESTRICTIONS
CONVENTIONAL TIRES		TUBELESS OR SPECIAL WITH .5 MARKING
7.00	1800 lbs.	8-22.5	1800 lbs.
7.50	1800 lbs.	9-22.5	1900 lbs.
8.25	1900 lbs.	10-22.5	2250 lbs.
9.00	2250 lbs.	11-22.5	2750 lbs.
10.00	2750 lbs.	11-24.5	2750 lbs.
11.00 and over	3000 lbs.	12-22.5 and over	3000 lbs.

 

(a)

No allowance will be made for any second rear axle that is suspended from the frame of a vehicle independent of the regular driving axle, commonly known as a "rigid trail axle." Allowance will be made for single tires only, on the front axle of any truck.

(b)

The load distribution on any one axle of any vehicle shall be such that it will not load the tires on the axle in excess of the prescribed load set forth in this section; provided, that a truck, truck tractor, passenger bus or school bus having conventional 10:00 × 20 tires or 11-22.5 tires, or larger, may carry a maximum load of ten thousand pounds on the front axle over any public highway placed under emergency load restrictions.

(3)

Permits may be issued by the director to allow the operation of school buses and motor trucks transporting perishable commodities or commodities necessary for the health and welfare of local residents on such public highways as may be closed or restricted in accordance with RCW 46.44.080, subject to specific weight and speed restrictions as may be deemed necessary by the director to protect highways from undue damage.

(4)

This rule shall not supersede or modify any rule in force establishing load limitations on county bridges.

(Ord. 4747 § 2, 1974)