In the wake of two oversize-load crashes that led to partial bridge collapses, the National Transportation Safety Board issued a safety alert Dec. 9 to remind motor carriers of the importance of obtaining permits and carefully reviewing routes before transporting oversize loads.
The first crash cited occurred in May 2013 neat Mount Vernon, Washington. A truck transporting an oversize load struck the Interstate 5 Skagit River Bridge causing a span to collapse.
The second crash occurred in May in Salado, Texas. A truck carrying an oversize load on I-35 struck concrete beams of an overhead highway bridge. The beams collapsed and fell ono the highway causing a fatality and three injuries.
“When transporting oversize loads, planning ahead is critical,” NTSB Chairman Christopher Hart said. “Both carriers and permitting authorities need to do their part to ensure the safe transport of oversize loads.”
The NTSB safety alert provides several tips that carriers and permitting authorities can use to ensure that oversize loads are transported safely. To see this and other NTSB safety alerts, click here.
