Night and Weekend Movement of Oversize/Overweight Loads (2021)

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11   Survey Results In order to understand permitting processes for OS and OW loads for night and weekend movements, a survey was created and states were invited to record their responses. The survey asked participants to share their name, title, and role within their organization. Participants were asked if they routinely permit OS and OW loads for nighttime and weekend movement, what (if any) restrictions are provided on over-dimensional permits that differ from day versus night operations or weekday versus weekend operations, any commodity considerations for these movements, and if any additional reviews are required for these movements. The full survey is provided in the appendix. Forty state agencies responded to the survey, including: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington State, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. OS/OW Loads State Permitting Practices OS/OW Night Movements States were first asked if they routinely permit OS loads for nighttime movement, and then if they ever issue such permits. The responses here are split nearly evenly, with a slight majority reporting that they do not routinely permit OS loads for nighttime movement. States shown in dark blue responded that they do routinely permit OS loads for nighttime movement, states in black lines through blue responded that they do not routinely issue these permits, and states in light blue did not answer this question or did not take the survey. In order to understand if any of the responses indicating a lack of permits for nighttime OS loads are due to the agency not permitting these move- ments at all, the respondents who stated they do not routinely permit OS nighttime movements were asked if they ever permit these movements. The color codes remain the same for all cor- responding maps. A majority of survey respondents reported that they do issue permits for OS loads for nighttime movements. As can be seen from the maps in Figures 4 and 5, some friction issues could exist based on permitting procedures for night movements of OS loads. The same conditions were examined for night movement of OW loads, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Approximately 66% of respondents report routinely permitting OW loads for nighttime movement. C H A P T E R   3

Not applicable No Routinely Permit OS Night Loads Yes Created with historicalmapchart.net Figure 4. States that routinely permit OS night loads. Not applicable No Ever Permit OS Night Loads Yes Created with historicalmapchart.net Figure 5. States that ever permit OS night loads.

Not applicable No Routinely Permit OW Night Loads Yes Created with historicalmapchart.net Figure 6. States that routinely permit OW night loads. Not applicable Ever Permit OW Night Loads Yes Created with historicalmapchart.net Figure 7. States that ever permit OW night loads.

14 Night and Weekend Movement of Oversize/Overweight Loads Similar to the first section of the survey, if respondents replied that they did not routinely permit OW loads for nighttime movement, they were then asked if they ever permit these movements. Some states shared additional information to provide insights into these issuance practices. In Alabama, the DOT reserves night movement for super loads, which are any loads with sealed containers or that exceed any or all of the following criteria: 16 ft in height, 16 ft in width, 150 ft in length, or 300,000 pounds. New Hampshire and South Dakota allow super loads to move at night, especially if these loads are routed in high-traffic areas. Connecticut DOT also issues night permits for OS loads that are considered super loads (over 16 ft wide, over 16 ft high, over 150 ft long, or over 200,000 pounds). Modular homes over 14 ft to 16 ft wide are permitted for nighttime travel with state police escorts, and Connecticut DOT issues other nighttime permits on a case-by-case basis for special emergency, government, or public utility movements. Nebraska DOT reports that loads exceeding legal dimensions are not permitted to travel during overnight hours unless the dimensions require the load to be escorted by the State Patrol. These loads must approach or exceed 20 ft in width or have other dimensions that make the requirement of the State Patrol escort necessary for safety. Indiana DOT reports that loads up to 110 ft long, 10 ft wide, and 13 ft 6 in. high and under 200,000 pounds can move 7 days a week, day or night. Loads exceeding these dimensions have restrictions for daytime hours only. The state of Delaware offers two types of after-hour requests. In after-hour envelope vehicle moves, the load dimensions may not exceed 75 ft in length, 12 ft in width, 14 ft 6 in. in height, and 120,000 pounds in weight. These loads may be authorized between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., Monday through Friday. Any other after-hour move request requires justification explaining why the move is necessary. In West Virginia, the DOT explains that unlike some neighboring states, the main issue to permitting OS/OW loads is topography and not traffic volume. Most haulers in West Virginia prefer moving during daytime hours. How- ever, the bordering states sometimes require night travel for some loads for various reasons. Given that there are not a lot of stopping points at state lines for these loads, the state made a policy decision to allow any move that is required to travel at night in a bordering state to be allowed nighttime travel in West Virginia as well, as long as any civilian escorts are replaced with police escorts. Some states, such as Georgia, Louisiana, and North Carolina, evaluate OS nighttime loads on a case-by-case basis depending on requests and the impacts they would have on traffic. Others, such as Kansas, only allow nighttime movement for OS loads for emergency purposes, which have to be declared by the governor or Kansas Department of Emergency Management, or receive special approval from the Secretary of Transportation. In Florida, all moves must occur during daytime hours unless there is a restriction such as construction, the vehicle needing to travel against the flow of traffic, or no other traffic being allowed on bridges due to weight or size, or because the move is so complex that it is in the best interest of the public to allow the load to move at night. South Carolina allows nighttime travel for only up to 132,000 pounds in gross weight and within legal dimensions (width, height, and length, with no overhang). Texas Depart- ment of Motor Vehicles allows loads up to 10 ft wide to move at night on interstates. Pennsylvania allows for 24-hour travel 7 days a week for loads under 10 ft wide and under 135,000 pounds, if height and length are legal; exceptions may be made at the discretion of the department. Vermont DOT usually restricts OS load movements to daylight hours and suggests moves be made between 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset. For routes with heavy traffic, further restrictions may be imposed. There are also limitations for OS loads in Vermont due to weather. Loads 12 ft wide or greater or 80 ft long or greater are not allowed to travel during inclement weather including ice, sleet, freezing rain, slush, or snowfall that is heavy enough to stick to the highway surface, or in reduced

Survey Results 15   visibility conditions such as rain or fog. In Minnesota, travel hours are not restricted for OS/OW loads up to 14 ft 6 in. wide, 110 ft long, or 16 ft high. There are night travel restrictions in the Twin Cities metropolitan area; there, OS loads are only allowed to travel from midnight to 5 a.m. Monday through Friday if they exceed 14 ft 6 in. wide on non-divided roadways and when exceed- ing 16 ft wide on divided roadways. No OS/OW load movement is authorized in Minnesota when road conditions are unsafe due to ice, snow, or rain, or if visibility is less than 500 ft. OS/OW Weekend Movements The next section of the survey asked participants to provide information regarding the issuance of permits for OS loads for weekend movements. As shown in Figure 8, a total of 84.2% of respondents stated that they routinely permit OS loads for weekend movement (two respondents left their answers to the relevant question blank). Again, participants who stated that they do not routinely permit OS loads for weekend movement were also asked if they ever permit OS loads for weekend movement. As shown in Figure 9, of the six states reporting that they did not routinely permit OS weekend movements, only one (OK) indicated they would not ever permit a weekend OS movement. The following section of the survey asked participants about OW load permits for weekend movement. In total, 89.5% of respondents indicated that they do routinely issue OW load permits for weekend movements, with 10.5% indicating that they do not routinely permit Not applicable No Routinely Permit OS Weekend Loads Yes Created with historicalmapchart.net Figure 8. States that routinely permit OS weekend loads.

16 Night and Weekend Movement of Oversize/Overweight Loads OW loads for weekend movement, as shown in Figure 10 (two respondents left their answers to the relevant question blank). For those four states responding that they do not routinely issue permits for OW loads for weekend movement, three states responded “Yes” to the question “Do you ever permit OW loads for weekend movement?,” with one state responding “No,” as shown in Figure 11. Some respondents provided additional details about these processes. In Alabama, it is legal to move on Saturdays under a routine permit, but there is no movement on Sundays other than for sealed containers. In Indiana, weekend movement is only allowed with the restrictions for loads to be up to 110 ft long, 10 ft wide, 13 ft 6 in. high, and under 200,000 pounds. Loads within these limits can move 7 days a week. New Hampshire DOT has an April-to-November program that allows for Saturday moves from 30 minutes before sunrise until noon. Mississippi DOT allows movement on Saturdays, and may also permit Sunday movement if needed, depending on the load. Vermont DOT will not issue permits for movement of loads in excess of 108,000 pounds, over 12 ft wide, or over 100 ft long on any Saturday or Sunday on state highways. Minnesota DOT does not generally restrict OS movements for loads up to 14 ft 6 in. wide, 110 ft long, or 16 ft high; however, no OS travel is allowed statewide from 2 p.m. the day before a holiday to 2 a.m. the day after the holiday if the load is wider than 9 ft or longer than 110 ft. In the summer, Minnesota DOT restricts OS movements as well; from the weekend after Memorial Day through the weekend before Labor Day, no OS travel is allowed from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Sundays if the load exceeds 9 ft wide or 110 ft long. Not applicable No Ever Permit OS Weekend Loads Yes Created with historicalmapchart.net Figure 9. States that ever permit OS weekend loads.

Not applicable No Routinely Permit OW Weekend Loads Yes Created with historicalmapchart.net Figure 10. States that routinely permit OW weekend loads. Not applicable No Ever Permit OW Weekend Loads Yes Created with historicalmapchart.net Figure 11. States that ever permit OW weekend loads.

18 Night and Weekend Movement of Oversize/Overweight Loads States Permitting OS and OW Loads The maps in Figures 12 and 13 show states that permit both OS and OW loads for night movement. The following maps, in Figures 14 and 15, show states that permit both OS and OW loads for weekend movement. Participants were also asked if night and then if weekend permits can be self-issued. For night permits, 42.1% of respondents replied that night permits can be self-issued, 52.6% of respondents replied that night permits cannot be self-issued, and the remaining 5.3% indicated this is not applicable to their agency (two respondents left their answers to the relevant question blank). The states indicating night permits can be self-issued can be seen in Figure 16. For weekend permits, 63.2% of respondents replied that weekend permits can be self-issued, 31.6% of respondents replied that weekend permits cannot be self-issued, and the remaining 5.3% indicated that self-issuance of weekend permits is not applicable to their agency. The states indicating that weekend permits can be self-issued are shown in Figure 17. Special Commodity Considerations OS/OW Night Movements Utah DOT reported that loads requiring police escorts in heavy-traffic areas are given extra consideration for nighttime travel. Iowa DOT considers emergency needs or nighttime construction projects. Wisconsin DOT gives priority to emergency movements. Nevada DOT Not applicable No States that Routinely Permit OS/OW Loads for Night Movement Yes Created with historicalmapchart.net Figure 12. States that routinely permit OS/OW loads for night movement.

Not applicable No States that Ever Permit OS/OW Loads for Night Movement Yes Created with historicalmapchart.net Figure 13. States that ever permit OS/OW loads for night movement. Not applicable No States that Routinely Permit OS/OW Loads for Weekend Movement Yes Created with historicalmapchart.net Figure 14. States that routinely permit OS/OW loads for weekend movement.

Not applicable No States that Ever Permit OS/OW Loads for Weekend Movement Yes Created with historicalmapchart.net Figure 15. States that ever permit OS/OW loads for weekend movement. Not applicable No Night Permits Self-Issued Yes Created with historicalmapchart.net Figure 16. States that allow self-issuance of night permits.

Survey Results 21   considers highway construction when lanes have to be shut down to get equipment into con- struction sites. Nevada also considers casino sign replacements or installations on the Las Vegas Strip, as cranes are often required. Other circumstances are considered on a case-by-case basis. Arizona considers commodities based on size rather than the commodity itself. The wind energy industry has multiple loads, and they are usually on tight schedules; if escorts are available, the load will be moved day or night. If closures are required with law enforcement, loads are often moved through the closed area one at a time. Transformers are generally moved very slowly and their movements through any metropolitan areas are preferred at night, to avoid traffic disruptions. Some equipment may be moved at night if a construction area has barriers set up during the daytime, but not at night. Arizona DOT gives priority to emergency movements while ensuring safety. Texas considers military and space exploration movements as well as emergency movements. North Carolina considers emergency movements and these commodi- ties differ per emergency. OS/OW Weekend Movements In Ohio, emergency movements are given special consideration. In Nebraska, these would be handled case-by-case; the carrier would need to contact the permit office and indicate their need for additional travel time, or other needs. For West Virginia DOT, anything that is con- sidered an emergency, including the necessary movement of electrical transformers, is given latitude to minimize electrical disruptions. Michigan issues annual permits for construction equipment. In Wisconsin, emergency movements have priority. In Arizona, similar to night Not applicable No Weekend Permits Self-Issued Yes Created with historicalmapchart.net Figure 17. States that allow self-issuance of weekend permits.

22 Night and Weekend Movement of Oversize/Overweight Loads movements, some loads may be better moved during weekends due to speed or size. Arizona DOT may also want these loads moving or continuing their travels instead of causing traffic disruption for regular commuter traffic. In Connecticut, some restrictions are exempted on a case-by-case basis for emergency, government, and public utility work permits. Additional Reviews Montana DOT requires traffic control plans for any super load movements or for loads that need to stop, reduce speed, or drive along the centerline when passing over bridges. Pennsylvania DOT requires additional reviews including engineering, structures, routing, law enforcement, and consideration of utility wire lifts. Michigan DOT requires engineering, traffic, and safety reviews on an as-needed basis. Arizona DOT reviews the route and checks for construction on Arizona DOT-controlled routes and local roads. The DOT also reviews Administrative Code, which has certain restrictions for specific areas on the roadways already required by the engineers due to time of the move, size, and weight. In California, there are structure reviews, reviews by the California Highway Police, local city or county permits, and encroachment permits. OS/OW Restrictions States were asked about restrictions on permits for OS and OW loads for night and weekend movements and if there are any additional restrictions placed on these loads. States were asked if there were variances in restrictions for OS and OW loads that differed for night versus day movements. They were also asked if there were differences in restrictions for OS and OW loads that differed for weekday versus weekend movements. OS/OW Night Movements Table 1 shows a matrix of the restrictions for OS and OW night movements. The matrix shows if the state routinely permits OS and OW loads for night movements, and whether any corresponding restrictions differ for day versus night movements. For OS loads, possible restrictions that may differ for day versus night movement included time limitations; overhangs; and municipal, route, lighting, escort, flagging, seasonal/event, height, or driver requirements restrictions. For OW loads, possible restrictions that may differ for day versus night movement included time limitations; overhangs; and overall weight, axle weight, lighting, escort, flagging, municipal, route, seasonal/event, and driver requirements restrictions. Some states provided additional information on these restrictions. For example, California places additional restrictions that are route based or follow local city/county restrictions. Decisions may also be impacted by construction projects. Connecticut reported concerns around visibility. Certain loads may be subject to greater scrutiny based on visibility concerns. Lighting, Escorts, and Flagging Utah DOT only requires lighting at night. Escorts in Utah are required for loads over 14 ft wide during daylight and 12 ft wide during nighttime for interstate travel. In Washington State, lighting is required for night operations. North Dakota only requires lighting at night for loads up to 10 ft wide and 120 ft long. Without lighting, the OS load cannot be moved at night. Nevada DOT requires additional lights for night travel (two amber steady-burning lights on the front of the vehicle and on each side of the vehicle near the middle or toward the front). Pilot cars are required in Nevada at night for loads between 12 ft 1 in. and 14 ft wide, over 15 ft high or 110 ft long, or having 15 ft of overhang in the front and or back. During the day for those

Survey Results 23   State Routine OS Night Permits Restrictions on OS Routine OW Night Permits Restrictions on OW AK Yes Municipal, route Yes AL No No AZ Yes Lighting, escorts, time limitations, municipal, route, seasonal/event, height Yes Overall weight, lighting, escorts, time limitations, municipal, seasonal/event CA Yes Time limitations, municipal Yes Overall weight, axle weight, time limitations, municipal, route, seasonal/event CO Yes Lighting, escorts Yes CT No No DE No No FL No No answer GA No No HI No No IA Yes Lighting, time limitations, route, height Yes Axle weight, lighting, time limitations, route IL No Answer No answer IN No No KS No Yes LA No No MD Yes Yes MI Yes Time limitations, seasonal/event Yes MN Yes Lighting, municipal, seasonal/event Yes Axle weight, seasonal/event MO No No MS No No MT Yes Yes NC No Yes Overall weight ND Yes Lighting, time limitations Yes NE No Yes NH No Yes NV Yes Lighting, escorts, time limitations, overhangs, height Yes Overall weight, escorts, time limitations, route NY Yes Lighting, escorts, time limitations, height Yes OH No Yes OK No Yes PA Yes Lighting, escorts, time limitations Yes Lights RI Yes Escorts, time limitations, Municipal, route, height Yes SC No No SD No Yes TX No Yes UT Yes Lighting, escorts, time limitations, height No VA No No answer VT Yes Seasonal/event Yes WA Yes Lighting, time limitations, height Yes WI Yes Lighting, time limitations, municipal, seasonal/event, height Yes WV No No Table 1. Restrictions on OS/OW night movements.

24 Night and Weekend Movement of Oversize/Overweight Loads dimensions, Nevada DOT requires one pilot car in the front on all two- or three-lane highways. If the load is over 14 ft wide, 15 ft tall, 110 ft long, or has 15 ft of overhang, it can run during the day, but not at night. At night, Nevada has additional requirements for two red steady-burning lights for overhangs over 4 ft, and there is a height restriction of 15 ft at night. For OS loads 12 ft wide and under, Colorado DOT requires a flashing or oscillating light on the front and two to three flashing or oscillating lights on the extreme rear. Loads between 12 and 14 ft wide have the same lighting requirements but must also add a front pilot car. Anything over 14 ft wide must apply for a special permit that will come with more pilot cars and possibly route survey requirements based on its dimensions. New York requires additional escorts for night travel. Police escorts are needed for moves over 14 ft wide and 14 ft high if traveling at night. Time Limitations, Routes, and Municipal Restrictions Rhode Island DOT has time limitations that require the load to move during minimum traffic times. Municipalities in the state often require their own officers. OS loads can use routes during the night that would not be permitted during the day. Rhode Island DOT also states that any load with a height requiring oncoming traffic travel or stoppage to move wires or lights will be done at night only to minimize disruptions. In Utah, daylight travel has rush-hour curfew restrictions in the morning and evening in certain counties to avoid disruption to peak-hour traffic. Loads over 14 ft 6 in. tall are restricted at night for safety. Alaska DOT reports that depending on the route, OS/OW operators may be required to travel at certain times of day to avoid traffic, but decisions are not necessarily based on distinctions between day and night. In Washington State, metropolitan areas have time limitations and curfews per state mandate. In Wisconsin, the DOT divides the state into seven unique regions. Each region may dictate its own restrictions on travel through regional areas when necessary or appropriate. In California, there are city curfew restrictions and ongoing construction projects restrictions on day work versus night work. Based on its experiences, Arizona DOT reports that most OW loads are also OS. The Arizona DOT considers when it is most conducive to move these loads through. If the load is ultra heavy, it likely moves very slowly, and nighttime movement may be preferable to avoid traffic congestion. Arizona DOT also examines the routes the loads would be taking and com- municates with haulers to work around any hours-of-service restrictions for drivers. OW loads are kept out of metropolitan curfew areas in Arizona to ensure that if there were a problem during transport, the load would not be stuck in the middle of a metropolitan rush hour. In California, super loads are usually doublewide and therefore movement can take place only during nighttime under California Highway Police escort with many route restrictions from local cities and counties. Under normal circumstances, New York does not allow night travel for these loads. New York State DOT makes exceptions for emergencies and does allow night travel in the New York City area to align with city requirements. New York City requires night travel for most OS loads. New York State restricts night travel on Friday nights and weekends. If moves are just legal weight and not over legal dimensions, continuous travel is allowed with no additional restrictions. Seasonal/Events and Weather Holiday restrictions are in place in Maryland prohibiting all permit moves during the holi- day periods. Michigan DOT reports that construction equipment annual permits have time limitations for counties over 150,000 lbs. due to traffic congestion, and it typically has holiday

Survey Results 25   season restrictions as well. In New Hampshire, seasonal weight limits are imposed for spring thaw conditions. Height and Weight In Washington State, heights greater than 14 ft 6 in. require prior approval for night move- ment. OS loads in North Dakota may travel 30 minutes prior to sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset or at night 24 hours a day if the load is 10 ft wide or less and 120 ft long or less. Iowa DOT imposes an 11-ft width limit for night moves of OS loads. Arizona restricts nighttime move- ment and requires certain super loads to move at night in order to mitigate the impacts on the traveling public and minimize interference for the transport for safety. Maryland DOT reported that loads up to 150,000 pounds within size dimension restrictions are permitted to travel anytime. Loads greater than 150,000 pounds or OS loads may be authorized on a case-by-case basis. Travel at night for heavier loads is generally preferred in Maryland if these loads are slow moving. In Nevada, Highway Patrol escorts are required for loads that exceed 500,000 pounds and those would be restricted to daytime-only movements. For specialty trailers and very heavy loads, the bridge department has to evaluate the weights and the routing to make sure weights are approved and the route can accommodate the weight of the load. North Carolina does not allow continuous travel for loads with GVWs over 112,000 pounds. OS/OW Weekend Movements Table 2 shows a matrix of the restrictions for OS and OW weekend movements. The matrix shows if the state routinely permits OS and OW loads for weekend movements, as well any corresponding restrictions that differ for weekday versus weekend movements. For OS loads, possible restrictions that may differ for weekday versus weekend movements included light- ing, escort, flagging, time limitations, municipal, route, overhang, seasonal/event, and height restrictions. For OW loads, possible restrictions that may differ for weekday versus weekend movements included overall weight, axle weight, lighting, escort, flagging, time limitations, municipal, route, overhang, and seasonal/event restrictions. Some states provided additional information on these restrictions. For example, Michigan noted that in areas of high congestion it is sometimes better to move at night with the appro- priate restrictions and conditions in place. Other states offered that there is little difference between weekday and weekend moves. Time Limitations, Routes, and Municipal Restrictions In Nebraska, OS loads are not allowed to travel on state or federal routes in the city of Omaha after noon on Saturday or Sundays. The same restriction applies to state routes in the city of Lincoln. Several states do not have the rush-hour restrictions or curfews on weekends that they normally impose on weekdays, including Louisiana, Rhode Island, Texas, and Utah. In Alaska, due to changes in traffic on weekends, the agency will alter the preferred route and time restrictions to avoid certain high-traffic areas or times. In North Dakota, time limitations are in place. Loads exceeding 16 ft wide cannot travel starting at noon on Saturday until 30 minutes prior to sunrise on Mondays. All other loads have no restrictions. In Delaware, travel is allowed sunrise to sunset seven days a week unless restricted by a holiday. In South Carolina, weekend travel is allowed from sunrise to sunset. Based on the width of the load, some loads may not be allowed to travel these times during the weekday. On some routes in Arizona, due to weekend tourist traffic, escorts are required on weekends where they would not be during the week. Minnesota DOT has rush-hour restrictions for OS loads in the Twin Cities and Duluth

26 Night and Weekend Movement of Oversize/Overweight Loads State Routine OS Weekend Permits Restrictions on OS Routine OW Weekend Permits Restrictions on OW AK Yes Time limitations, municipal, route Yes AL No No AZ Yes Escort, time limitations, municipal, route, seasonal/event, height Yes Time limitations, municipal, route, seasonal/event CA Yes Escort, time limitations, municipal, route, seasonal/event, height Yes Escort, time limitations, municipal, route, seasonal/event CO Yes Yes CT Yes Time limitations, height Yes Overall weight, time limitations DE Yes Yes FL No answer No answer GA Yes Yes HI No No IA Yes Seasonal/event Yes IL No answer No answer IN No No KS Yes Yes LA Yes Municipal Yes Municipal MD Yes Yes MI Yes Time limitations, seasonal/event Yes Seasonal/event MN Yes Time limitations, Seasonal/event Yes MO Yes Yes MS No No MT Yes Yes NC Yes Yes ND Yes Time limitations Yes NE Yes Seasonal/event Yes NH No Yes NV Yes Overhang, height Yes Overall weight NY Yes Height Yes OH Yes Yes OK No Yes PA Yes Lighting Yes RI Yes Time limitations Yes Time limitations SC Yes Time limitations Yes SD Yes Yes TX Yes Time limitations Yes UT Yes Time limitations Yes VA No answer No answer VT Yes Seasonal/event Yes Overall weight WA Yes Yes WI Yes Time limitations, municipal, seasonal/event Yes Time limitations, municipal, seasonal/event WV Yes Yes Table 2. Restrictions on OS/OW weekend movements.

Survey Results 27   metropolitan areas, which state that no OS travel is permitted on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. if the load exceeds 14 ft 6 in. wide, 110 ft long, or 16 ft high. In New York State, weekend travel is normally only allowed until noon on Saturdays if the load is at or less than 12 ft wide, 13 ft 6 in. high, and 85 ft long. Seasonal/Events and Weather In Nebraska, holiday restrictions are put in place for OS loads on major holidays, which apply statewide. When the University of Nebraska has a home football game, there is a travel restriction for all OS loads, which encompasses the entire southeast corner of Nebraska beginning Friday night before the game until Sunday morning following the game. In Iowa, travel is restricted on holiday weekends including Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Arizona DOT restricts movements due to construction and permitted events that occur on weekends (e.g., marathons). Height and Weight In Nevada, weekend travel is permitted for loads with specific dimensions (14 ft wide, 15 ft tall, 110 ft long, 15 ft overhang) whereas during the week, they can travel at any dimension with the appropriate restrictions. In Connecticut, weekend travel time is restricted to daylight to noon, and weekend height is restricted to the legal height of 13 ft 6 in. Thresholds for Enhanced Reviews Participants were asked what thresholds are used for enhanced review before permits are issued to better understand these decision-making processes. Size-Based Thresholds In Montana, the thresholds include loads over a certain width, height, length, or weight. In Nebraska, permits are self-issued for loads up to 16 ft in width, 15 ft 11 in. in height, 150 ft in length, or 200,000 pounds in gross weight. The permit office must review applications larger or heavier than these limits. Maryland requires enhanced reviews for loads beyond the self- issuance limits of 150,000 pounds, 90 ft long, 14 ft 6 in. high, or 13 ft wide. Maryland DOT is also considering self-issue of permits for loads up to 200,000 pounds. Missouri DOT reviews the width, length, height, and weight of a load to ensure it is not a super load, which may require additional review. Missouri DOT also reviews OS/OW restrictions, vertical clearances, and bridge ratings. In Indiana, permits are available within 24–48 hours for loads under 200,000 pounds. In Utah, all loads exceeding 14 ft 6 in. tall, 14 ft 6 in. wide, 105 ft long, or 125,000 pounds are considered super loads and are reviewed by the super load team before they are issued. In Washington State, all loads are considered super loads if greater than 16 ft wide, 16 ft high, 125 ft in length, or 200,000 pounds, or, for night moves, if greater than 12 ft wide, 14 ft 6 in. tall, or 105 ft long. North Dakota DOT reviews loads 18 ft wide, 17 ft high, 200 ft long, and 250,000 pounds or greater. New Hampshire DOT conducts enhanced reviews for weights over 149,999 pounds, widths over 15 ft, lengths over 110 ft, and heights over 13 ft 6 in. Iowa DOT conducts enhanced reviews for loads over 11 ft wide, 14 ft 6 in. high, 200,000 pounds per axle, 120,000 pounds gross, or 120 ft long. In Georgia, night movements may be requested by letter of essentiality and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Michigan DOT performs enhanced reviews if dimensions are in excess of 16 ft wide, 15 ft tall, or 150 ft long. Mississippi DOT conducts enhanced reviews for super load permits (17 ft wide, 121 ft long, 15 ft 7 in. high, or 189,999 pounds or greater).

28 Night and Weekend Movement of Oversize/Overweight Loads In Kansas, thresholds are based on size and weight, but not on night or weekend requests. Wisconsin DOT requires enhanced reviews for loads over 14 ft wide, over 16 ft high, over 150 ft long, or over 270,000 pounds. Louisiana DOT requires enhanced reviews for loads that exceed 232,000 pounds, 15 ft 6 in. high, or 16 ft wide. In South Carolina, when weight exceeds 23,000 pounds per axle, a bridge engineer will review the request. In California, enhanced reviews are required for loads over legal limits for length, width, height, or weight. The thresholds for enhanced review in Texas are 20 ft wide, 18 ft 11 in. high, 125 ft long, or 254,300 pounds. South Dakota requires enhanced reviews for loads over 18 ft wide, 100 ft long, 18 ft tall, or 130,000 pounds. In Connecticut, loads over 14 ft high always require an independent route survey. Some loads require a route survey for width or length depending on routing. All super loads require a route survey (loads over 16 ft wide, over 16 ft high, or over 150 ft long). All loads over 160,000 pounds require a DOT engineering analysis. In Colorado, the self-issue envelope is up to 15 ft 3 in. wide, 150,000 pounds, 110 ft long, more than 15 ft of overhang in the front, or more than 25 ft of overhang in the rear. Other Thresholds In Alabama, the permit office staff reviews all permits before issuance. Load weights are analyzed through software that determines if they can safely cross bridges. In Hawaii, the DOT follows the Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR 19-04) and Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS 0291). In Ohio, enhanced review is required if night movement is requested. In Rhode Island, all single- trip permits are manually reviewed. Delaware has not developed an electronic system utilizing auto-issue, and all permits currently require manual review. In Nevada, the DOT needs a minimum of 5 days’ notice to issue permits for all super loads. All specialty trailers and self-propelled units over seven axles have to be reviewed by the bridge department for weights and routing. In Oklahoma, all loads must meet the Oklahoma overload requirements. In Arizona, the state allows Class A OS/OW loads to move up to certain dimensions at night and on weekends with additional escorts. Once the load exceeds the dimensions for continuous travel (24/7), they still may be allowed to begin movement at 3 a.m. Most loads that fall into Class C size and weight require special permission to run at times other than sunrise to sunset, Monday through Friday. In North Carolina, enhanced reviews are performed when indicated by data from North Carolina DOT structure and divi- sion engineers. In New York State, the DOT reviews cases that exceed normal criteria for night or weekend travel, and the regional office or offices affected will review these applications before approval. State Studies and Observations The final section of the survey asked participants if they have conducted permit studies for their state. In total, 10.5% of respondents indicated that they have conducted permit studies for their state, while 84.2% indicated that they have not done so. A total of 5.3% indicated this does not apply. These results are shown in Figure 18. Those responding “Yes” were then asked if the results of these studies are available. Ohio, Oklahoma, and Colorado indicated the results were available. Survey participants were also asked if they have undertaken a pilot program for night or weekend permitting OS/OW loads. Here, a total of six states or 15.8% indicated “Yes,” 71.1% indicated “No,” and 13.2% indicated this is not applicable for their state or agency. The six agencies that indicated “Yes” included Maryland DOT State Highway Administration, Michigan DOT, New Hampshire DOT, New York State DOT, Ohio DOT, and West Virginia DOT.

Survey Results 29   Closing Observations Lastly, participants were asked to provide any additional observations on night and week- end movements and were asked to indicate if they would be willing to provide additional information as part of a case example interview on these topics (81.6% indicated “Yes,” while 18.4% indicated “No”). Alabama DOT reports being pleased with its approach. Pennsylvania’s parameters of 10 ft and 135,000 pounds do not affect traffic in any noticeable way; however, requests by haulers to move super loads at night are more challenging with the need to lift utility wires. Generally, OS load night movements do not affect traffic as much as daytime moves do. In Nebraska, if the load is OW only, the load may travel 24/7. If the load is OS, the travel restric- tions for daytime/nighttime/weekend movement automatically populates on each permit. In Maryland, no issues have been encountered. Night moves for larger loads are still preferred to lessen impacts on traffic. Rhode Island DOT usually moves cranes on weekends. Nighttime is generally reserved for extreme dimensions or traveling in oncoming lanes. In Missouri, for the safety of the travel- ing public, the DOT allows OW-only loads to move at night. In Indiana, loads must be no more than 110 ft long, 10 ft wide, 13 ft 6 in. high, or 200,000 pounds to move on nights and weekends. Utah DOT encourages weekend movement, as there is less traffic. Both Georgia and Alaska report that night and weekend moves do not differ greatly from day and weekday move- ments. In Washington State, loads exceeding pre-approved dimensions must obtain approval for night operations. Department districts review each request exceeding the limits for night moves (greater than 12 ft wide, 14 ft 6 in. tall, or 105 ft long) and respond on a case-by-case basis. Not applicable No Permit Studies Conducted Yes Created with historicalmapchart.net Figure 18. States that have conducted permit studies.

30 Night and Weekend Movement of Oversize/Overweight Loads Delaware DOT has offered after-hour envelope vehicle moves for several years. The industry has not really taken advantage of travel between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Monday through Friday, but weekend travel is used frequently by the industry with no major complaints. New Hampshire has had the Saturday move program in place for 4 years. Both West Virginia DOT and Iowa DOT indicate that no major issues or negative aspects have arisen with night or weekend moves. In Michigan, the annual power unit-only construction equipment annual permit was required by law. Some construction contracts require nighttime delivery. In areas of high congestion, it is sometimes better to move at night with the appropriate restrictions and conditions in place. In Oklahoma, the overload permits issued for weekend moves are not much greater than legal loads. In Arizona, the agency has found that hiring law enforcement escorts can be easier when loads are moving during the night. The agency also found that the loads are able to move without interference from regular traffic, and that since it is night and loads are lit up by lighting and law enforcement, regular nighttime traffic tends to be more cautious. Arizona DOT works with haulers to move loads as quickly and easily as possible with the highest levels of safety, and believes that law enforcement escorts make a substantial difference in the way the public reacts to the traveling load. In California, restrictions are dependent on routes, local city restrictions, and construction project impacts. Texas DOT finds that weekend moves are not different from weekday moves; night moves could be beneficial if proper safety precautions are taken. South Dakota does very few night- time OS moves, but in certain traffic conditions it could potentially be beneficial if visibility issues can be overcome for safety. In Connecticut, the primary concern regarding night move- ment is safety. OS/OW loads can cause a visibility problem for both the carriers and the public and often travel at slower speeds. Extended hour weekend travel is a concern due to congestion and lack of truck-certified law enforcement on duty. North Carolina DOT might consider night movements after further examination of data. New York State reports that the main reason it does not approve night or weekend travel on a regular basis is due to regulatory restrictions.