OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Transportation issued a statement Monday that addresses some of the questions and concerns raised when new weight limit restrictions were posted for the Indian Creek Bridge on Highway 101 west of the Elwha River. Construction companies, logging truck drivers and communities on the west side of Clallam County, such as Forks, are now concerned about their ability to complete planned projects and whether the bridge is need of repair. Here’s the DOT’s Linda Robson.

Robson says the move is part of a statewide program to review load ratings for every state highway bridge under Federal Highway Administration requirements. An evaluation by WSDOT staff determined that new weight limits were required to protect the 90-year-old bridge from stress and damage and for public safety.

We asked Robson if there were any plans to reinforce or replace the bridge.

Anyone driving one of these Specialized Hauling Vehicles will likely have to use State Route 112 to get around the bridge. Robson says 112 does not have similar restrictions, but heavier loads will still require a permit, and drivers will have to contact Commercial Vehicle Services with questions.

The new posted load restrictions on the Indian Creek Bridge are as follows:

Single unit four-axle vehicles: maximum load 27 tons or 54,000 pounds.

Single unit five-axle vehicles: maximum load 29 tons or 58,000 pounds.

Single unit six-axle vehicles: maximum load 30 tons or 60,000 pounds.

Single unit seven-axle vehicles: maximum load 33 tons or 66,000 pounds

If you have additional questions about your commercial vehicle or heavy hauling project, please contact the WSDOT Commercial Vehicle Office at 360-704-6340 or CVSpermits.wsdot.wa.gov.

Photo: Bridge over Indian Creek on Highway 101.