RECOMMENDATION(S): (CONT'D)
ADOPT the attached Resolution No. 2021/165, which sets the load restriction limits to 23 tons per vehicle for Type 3 Truck, with no permit trucks allowed and Type 3S2 and Type 3-3 trucks remaining legal, until bridge repairs or replacement are completed.
DIRECT the Public Works Director, or designee, to post appropriate signs at the north and south entrances to the bridge (not more than 500 feet away from those entrances), on Lindemann Road, to provide notice of the load restrictions imposed by the resolution, in accordance with Vehicle Code section 35752 and 35754.
RECOMMEND that the State of California, Department of Transportation (Caltrans) issue a Director's Order to impose permanent load restriction limits of 23 tons per vehicle for Type 3 Truck, with no permit trucks allowed and Type 3S2 and Type 3-3 trucks remaining legal.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact with this action.
BACKGROUND:
The Delta-Mendota Canal Bridge on Lindemann Road over Delta-Mendota Canal (Bridge No. 28C-0402) was evaluated by Caltrans’ Load Ratings Branch in July of 2020 and February of 2021, due to on-going deterioration found in multiple timber columns of the bridge, which ultimately concluded that the bridge must be temporarily posted for the following legal truck load restriction until the County performs necessary repairs or decides to permanently post the bridge with the truck load limitations:
Type 3 Truck: 23 TONS PER VEHICLE
On February 11, 2021, Caltrans’ Office of Structure Maintenance and Investigations issued to the County via e-mail a Record of Critical Findings, requiring the County’s action to immediately restrict loads on the Delta-Mendota Canal Bridge on Lindemann Road over Delta-Mendota Canal.
This hearing is required to allow the County to implement temporary load restrictions, and for Caltrans to impose permanent load restrictions, pursuant to Vehicle Code section 35750, et seq. The Board's approval of the resolution will impose a 90-day weight limit for the bridge. Shortly after the resolution is adopted, Caltrans will issue a Director's Order to make the temporary load restrictions permanent. Public Works staff recommends that the Board adopt the resolution.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Vehicles exceeding the safe load capacity of the Delta-Mendota Canal Bridge would be allowed to use the structure, causing further deterioration of the structure, exposing bridge users to unsafe conditions.