CHAPTER 191. AUTHORIZATION TO USE BRIDGES POSTED DUE
TO CONDITION OF BRIDGESec.
191.1. Purpose and authority.
191.2. Definitions.
191.3. Permitted use of posted bridges.
191.4. Application procedure and administrative fees.Authority The provisions of this Chapter 191 issued under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4902(c) and (f), and 6103, unless otherwise noted.
Source The provisions of this Chapter 191 adopted August 20, 1982, effective August 21, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2798, unless otherwise noted.
Cross References This chapter cited in 67 Pa. Code § 190.1 (relating to purpose).
§ 191.1. Purpose and authority.
(a) Purpose. This chapter regulates the use of bridges posted under 75 Pa.C.S. § 4902(a) (relating to restrictions on use of highways and bridges) by vehicles or combinations having a gross weight in excess of the posted weight limit or a physical dimension in excess of the posted size restriction.
(b) Authority. This chapter is promulgated under authority of 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4902(c) and (f) (relating to restrictions on use of highways and bridges), and 6103 (relating to promulgation of rules and regulations by department) and shall apply to all bridges posted under authority of section 4902(a).
§ 191.2. Definitions.
Words and terms used in this chapter, shall have the same meanings as they have in 75 Pa.C.S. (relating to Vehicle Code), except the following words and terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Local authorities—State agencies other than the Department, and county, municipal, and other boards or bodies having authority to enact restrictions relating to traffic; the term shall include colleges, universities, public or private schools, and public or historical parks.
Over-posted-size vehicle or combination—A vehicle or combination including its load with a physical dimension—such as length, width, height, turning radius, or vehicle underclearance—in excess or in violation of a posted bridge size restriction.
Over-posted-weight vehicle or combination—A vehicle or combination having a gross weight in excess of a posted bridge weight limit.
Posted bridge—A bridge which has signs erected in accordance with 75 Pa.C.S. § 4902 (relating to restrictions on use of highways and bridges), indicating the maximum weight or size of vehicles or combinations that are permitted on or under the bridge.
Posting authority—The Department as to bridges on State-designated highways and local authorities as to all other posted bridges.§ 191.3. Permitted use of posted bridges.
(a) General rule. The posting authority may permit an over-posted-weight or over-posted-size vehicle or combination to use a bridge posted under 75 Pa.C.S. § 4902(a) (relating to restrictions on use of highways and bridges) if it determines that:
(1) for all practical purposes, the vehicle or combination can reach its destination only via the posted bridge; and
(2) analysis of the number of axles, axle weights, distance between axles, height, width and other data indicates that the vehicle or combination will not have a detrimental effect on the bridge.
(b) Number of trips. The permit may authorize a single trip, a limited number of trips during a 12-month period, or an unlimited number of trips during a period not to exceed three months.
(c) Liability. The permittee shall be liable for any damage to the bridge as well as any personal injury or property damage and shall provide such insurance or security as the posting authority may require to guarantee payment of any damage to the bridge or to persons and property who or which may be injured as a result of the permitted use.
(d) Restrictions. When permitting use of a posted bridge, the posting authority may stipulate one or more restrictions, including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) Maximum speed.
(2) Minimum number or spacing of axles or both.
(3) Maximum axle weight.
(4) Specific travel path.
(5) Minimum spacing or maximum number of vehicles or combinations on the bridge.
(6) Traffic control persons to regulate and control other traffic.
(7) Persons to guide the vehicle to insure proper alignment.
(e) Possession of permit. The permit authorizing an over-posted-weight or over-posted-size vehicle or combination to use a posted bridge is valid only when carried in the vehicle or combination and all restrictions on the permit are satisfied.
§ 191.4. Application procedure and administrative fees.
(a) Application procedure. All inquiries regarding the issuance of permits discussed in this chapter should be made to the appropriate Engineering District Office as indicated in Appendix A for bridges on State-designated highways, and to the appropriate local authorities for all other bridges. A separate application shall be required for each posted bridge and for each vehicle or combination.
(b) Administrative fees. An administrative fee will be charged for the issuance of each permit discussed in this chapter and a check for the applicable fee shall be included with the application. For bridges on State-designated highways, the fee shall be $15 for a single trip—once in each direction—or $50 for a limited number of trips during a 12-month period or an unlimited number of trips during a period not to exceed three months. Fees for permits to use bridges under the jurisdiction of local authorities shall not be greater than those charged by the Department.
APPENDIX A
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