Starting October 16, the Camas Swale Bridge, south of Goshen near Ricketts Road, is going to be weight restricted to 35 tons for SU7. This means heavy, multi axle vehicles need to use an alternate or detour route if they are over the allowed weight limits. 

What does that mean for you?
Nothing, unless you drive a heavy truck with 7 or more axles (see description below). Built in 1930, this bridge wasn't made for the large special hauling vehicles that are on the roads today.

Will the restriction be permanent? No, the restriction is temporary. The bridge is currently being evaluated for potential repair. The restriction will remain in place until the necessary repairs are completed or the bridge is replaced.

The bridge restriction is part of a nationwide load rating review of bridges required by the Federal Highway Administration. 

What does SU7 mean?
The acronym is short for Single Unit 7 axle vehicle. But what does that mean? A standard passenger vehicle is 2 axle, a standard semi truck is 2-3 axles, so this restriction is for special hauling vehicles with 7+ axles like dump trucks, concrete trucks, etc. You can learn more about these types of vehicles in this additional information.

Is my vehicle under the weight limit?
The illustrations here show some common vehicles and their average weights.

To make the math easier:

1 ton = 2,000 pounds.

Why is the bridge being weight restricted?
There are two new larger, heavier vehicle types that distribute weight differently on bridges. These, combined with more traffic overall, led to an updated engineering bridge weight review (load rating) of all public bridges in Oregon. This review determined new restrictions were needed to ensure the bridge can safely carry everyone to their destinations.

Is the bridge still safe to use?
The bridge is safe to use — as long as vehicles crossing the bridge are under the posted weight limits. Bridge weight restrictions are required when an engineering review shows that the structure cannot safely carry standard legal vehicle loads. 

What is a standard legal vehicle load?
A standard legal vehicle is any vehicle at or below 40 tons with no single axle over 10 tons and no tandem axle over 17 tons.

Keep in mind, the new weight restrictions on the Camas Swale Bridge mean that the total weight of 7 axle single unit vehicles need to be 31 tons or less..

How long will the weight restriction be in place?
Weight restrictions are needed until strengthening and repairs can be made and the structure can be reevaluated. We are planning to make repairs this summer.

For 24/7 road conditions and traffic alerts visit tripcheck.com or call 5-1-1.

Visit the Region 2 Construction Information website for more information about projects in construction.