LADOTD Issue Information About Overweight and Oversize Permit Exception

The following is information from a press release issued by the Louisiana DOTD regarding permits for oversized and overweight loads in the state.

Updated – March 30, 2019, at 9 a.m.

Below is the updated press release directly from Louisiana DOTD

WHEREAS, in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 32:387, the Governor has delegated the authority to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development to waive the requirements relative to the rules of permits for the purpose of disaster, emergency or emergency preparedness; and

WHEREAS, DOTD is implementing a new updated permit system that is technologically advanced to better serve the citizens and industry that travel within the borders of Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, due to technology requirements to transition to the new system, DOTD must suspend the issuance of permits from March 29-March 31, 2019; and

WHEREAS, DOTD advance notice to industry to prepare for overweight loads prior to the announced suspension, does not address certain unplanned and emergency loads; and

WHEREAS, The anticipated volume of unplanned and emergency loads may exceed the normal volume of after hour and emergency permits DOTD issues; and

WHEREAS, The inability to obtain permits may cause the interruption of delivery of utility services to any consumer of such services, affecting the welfare of Louisiana.

NOW THEREFORE, I, SHAWN DAVID WILSON, Secretary of Department of Transportation and Development, State of Louisiana, by virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Louisiana, do hereby order and direct as follows:

SECTION 1: Overweight and oversized truck loads operating in the state of Louisiana from March 29-April 1, 2019 at Noon shall not exceed the following load limitations:

A. Overweight and oversized loads up to fourteen (14) feet high, twelve (12) feet wide, ninety (90) feet long and one-hundred thousand (100,000) pounds. 
B. Overweight loads up to 48,000 pounds on tandem axles and 60,000 pounds on tridum axles. 
C. The aforementioned exempted loads shall observe all posted bridges and construction zones.

SECTION 2: Nothing in this Order shall be construed to relieve any vehicle or carrier, owner or driver of any vehicle from compliance with any restrictions other than those specified, or from any statute, rule, order, or other legal requirement not specifically waived herein.

SECTION 3: Nothing in this Order shall be construed or interpreted as being applicable to travel on non-state maintained highways.

SECTION 4: This Order is effective as of March 29, 2019, and shall remain in effect until Noon on April 1, 2019.

__________________________________________
Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D., Secretary
Department of Transportation and Development

Below is the original press release directly from Louisiana DOTD

WHEREAS, in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 32:387, the Governor has delegated the authority to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development to waive the requirements relative to the rules of permits for the purpose of disaster, emergency or emergency preparedness; and

WHEREAS, DOTD is implementing a new updated permit system that is technologically advanced to better serve the citizens and industry that travel within the borders of Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, due to technology requirements to transition to the new system, DOTD must suspend the issuance of permits from March 29-March 31, 2019; and

WHEREAS, DOTD advance notice to industry to prepare for overweight loads prior to the announced suspension, does not address certain unplanned and emergency loads; and

WHEREAS, The anticipated volume of unplanned and emergency loads may exceed the normal volume of after hour and emergency permits DOTD issues; and

WHEREAS, The inability to obtain permits may cause the interruption of delivery of utility services to any consumer of such services, affecting the welfare of Louisiana.

NOW THEREFORE, I, SHAWN DAVID WILSON, Secretary of Department of Transportation and Development, State of Louisiana, by virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Louisiana, do hereby order and direct as follows:

SECTION 1: Overweight and oversized truck loads operating in the state of Louisiana from March 29-April 1, 2019 at Noon shall not exceed the following load limitations:

A. Overweight and oversized loads up to fourteen (14) feet high, twelve (12) feet wide, ninety (90) feet long and one-hundred thousand (100,000) pounds. 
B. Overweight loads up to 48,000 pounds and 60,000 pounds on tridum axles. 
C. The aforementioned exempted loads shall observe all posted bridges and construction zones.

SECTION 2: Nothing in this Order shall be construed to relieve any vehicle or carrier, owner or driver of any vehicle from compliance with any restrictions other than those specified, or from any statute, rule, order, or other legal requirement not specifically waived herein.

SECTION 3: Nothing in this Order shall be construed or interpreted as being applicable to travel on non-state maintained highways.

SECTION 4: This Order is effective as of March 29, 2019, and shall remain in effect until Noon on April 1, 2019.

__________________________________________
Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D., Secretary
Department of Transportation and Development