Oversized load bridge strikes by freight trucks and farm equipment in Illinois cost an estimated average of $400,000 per incident to repair. The consequences from these impacts are traffic congestion, detours, closures and severe safety issues for weeks afterward.
Measuring freight sizes, staying on authorized routes and getting necessary permits are key preventive steps. Permits for oversized/overweight loads are legally required and, in most cases, can be issued in minutes online at webapps.dot.illinois.gov/ITAP/.
In District 5 alone, nine bridge hits were reported within the past 19 months, ranging in repair costs from $25,000 to $3 million. Several locations have a history of repeat incidents. Given these recent incidents, IDOT is piloting two innovations to reduce bridge strikes.
An initiative called “audible turn-by-turn navigation” under development could enable IDOT to electronically share authorized route details through a cloud-based application that’s compatible with mobile devices. Currently, drivers receive route details from printed documents or access from mobile devices. Neither option is optimal due to driver distractions caused by focusing on reading instructions while driving. With the new technology, drivers can hear the route instructions without having to look at their phone or tablet.
Another initiative under development at the westbound Maryville weigh station on Interstate 70 is the “Hawkscan Oversize Vehicle Measurement System,” which uses cameras to measure freight loads as they approach the scale. Measurements from the camera are then compared to verify the permit details.
IDOT offers free route authorization, and drivers are encouraged to call 1-800-252-8636 with questions about permits. We're here to help you hit the road for a safe journey without the risk of hitting anything else!
