Best Practice for Oversized/Overweight Vehicles

Summary:

Local transportation agencies are experiencing a surge in permit requests for Oversize/Overweight (OSOW) vehicles weighing up to 104,000 pounds due to changes in urban waste collection practices, mining activities, industrial operations, and more. Pavements are not designed to withstand this recurring weight, which can lead to reduced pavement lifespan, damage, and road failures. The objective of this study is to develop an easy-to-use mechanistic-empirical tool for evaluating the cost/benefit analysis of permitting OSOW vehicles, identifying the cost to the agency (and ultimately the taxpayer) versus the benefit to a hauler. The tool will address the economic impacts of the permit (to the agency and the taxpayer) and can be used to determine and illustrate what axle spacing requirements currently meet pavement design standards for 10-ton loads. Knowing this spacing would help local agencies review permit requests. The study will also develop information to aid communication with elected officials and road users.

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