Structures Maintenance Plan

10.1  An abnormal load is considered to be a vehicle that is outside the classification of normal permitted traffic by virtue of its gross weight, length, width or axle configuration according to current road vehicle regulations.

10.2  The movement of abnormal loads needs to be carefully managed so that they only use those parts of the highway network that can safely accommodate them and Authorities have powers to direct movement of abnormal loads and the submission of a notification by the haulier enables the movement to take place legally.

10.3  Hauliers of abnormal loads are required to notify the Highway Authority of their proposed route and the configuration of the abnormal load in order for the route to be assessed for suitability. Notifications are received electronically via 3^rd party software systems, such as ESDAL and AbHaulier, or direct to the Abnormal Load Officer for the Council.

10.4  Once a load notification is received the structures on the route are then assessed to ensure that the load effects induced by the abnormal loads do not exceed the load bearing capacities of the structures on the route. If any structures are considered to be too weak to bear the abnormal load, the haulier will be advised to submit an alternative route. If no suitable alternative route is available other options, such as special measures to increase the load bearing capacity of the structure or splitting the load will be considered.

10.5  If no suitable alternative is available, and only as a last resort, the hauliers request to move the abnormal load will be rejected.

10.6  Due to the nature of heavy industry within the Borough a set of preferred abnormal load routes are being prepared based on those roads that are subjected to the greatest number of abnormal load movements. Each structure on these routes is subjected to a detailed structural assessment which will provide up to date load bearing capacities for those structures that are subjected to the greatest number of abnormal load movements.