In recent months, Kentucky State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers had stepped up enforcement of the load limit, in response to recent complaints about overweight trucks crossing the bridge and vehicles exceeding the 35 mph speed limit.
That enforcement effort was based on the following weight limits:
Type I Trucks 23 Tons (2 axle)
Type II Trucks 23 Tons (3 axle)
Type III Trucks 26 Tons (4 axle)
Type IV Trucks 35 Tons (5 axle-Semi)
After analyzing the findings of a detailed inspection of the bridge conducted in July, bridge engineers have adjusted the weight limits to the following:
Type I Trucks 20 Tons (2 axle)
Type II Trucks 27 Tons (3 axle)
Type III Trucks 28 Tons (4 axle)
Type IV Trucks 40 Tons (5 axle-Semi)
New signage indicating the change should be in place in a few days. The old load limit had been in place since April of 1988. By law, load limit information is posted at the end of all Kentucky bridges.
It is the responsibility of the Commercial Drivers License holder to obey weight restrictions. While farm trucks hauling crops and trucks hauling certain natural resources are given a margin of error on some highways, all bridge load limits still apply and cannot be exceeded.
While the enhanced enforcement effort is primarily directed at weight limits on the Smithland Bridge, officers stationed at the bridge will also be enforcing the 35 mile per hour speed limit for all vehicles at the river crossing.
