Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov
*** For Immediate Release***
Date:
February 22, 2011
Contact:
Trooper Michael E. Harmon
Phone:
(360) 628-1623
E-mail:
Mike.Harmon@wsp.wa.gov
Enforcement to Begin Today
- Trucks and Transit Stay Right: Lane Restriction On Northbound SR 167 Puyallup River Bridge -
Puyallup – Sign crews from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) installed signs along northbound State Route (SR) 167 last week in preparation for the new lane restriction that went into effect today.
Signs were in place Thursday, Feb. 17 directing northbound vehicles over 10,000 gross vehicle weight to use only the right lane when crossing over the aging Puyallup River Bridge. A five-day grace period was given by local law enforcement and the Washington State Patrol’s Commercial Vehicle Division. We will begin ticketing drivers over the weight limit who do not obey the lane restriction signs starting today.
After a recent inspection of the bridge, WSDOT determined that the floor beams of the 86-year-old structure were showing signs of deterioration and required limiting the load that it carries to relieve some of the stress to the bridge deck.
At first, WSDOT was prepared to issue a weight restriction on the bridge but after reevaluating what that would mean for commercial vehicles trying to get from the Port of Tacoma to destinations in east Pierce County, restricting trucks and transit to a single lane was the solution decided upon. The lane restriction reduces stress on the aging bridge while keeping commercial traffic moving northbound on SR 167.
We have attempted to advise all parties who may be affected by this restriction such as Washington State Trucking Association, School Districts, Intercity Transit, local garbage haulers, etc. We have also distributed flyers and are currently passing them out to truckers at all the local scale houses.
Employees with the State Patrol’s Commercial Vehicle Division, through education and enforcement, ensure compliance with commercial motor vehicle regulations to protect resources, prevent collisions, and save lives.
To learn more about what WSDOT is doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at http://wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/ or by dialing 5-1-1.