NEWS RELEASE: July 24, 2008
FROM: The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT: Captain Art Wilburn (785) 296-6800
Willard Bridge Weight Limits to Be Enforced
Shawnee County Sheriff's Office and KHP work jointly to assure safe weights on bridge
Growing concern over increased overweight truck traffic on the Willard Bridge has lead to a joint effort between agencies. While Maple Hill Bridge has been closed for construction, much of its traffic was diverted to Carlson Road, and across the Willard Bridge, which is south of Rossville. Focused on keeping motorists safe, and preserving the life of the bridge, the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol are partnering to monitor traffic crossing the bridge, and to enforce the weight restrictions on the Willard Bridge.
While the Maple Hill Bridge is built for heavy traffic, structurally the Willard Bridge is not. Although the Maple Hill Bridge is scheduled to re-open this evening after being closed for construction, local law enforcement will continue to keep a close eye on the Willard Bridge. The Kansas Highway Patrol and Shawnee County Sheriff's Office will be monitoring traffic travelling the bridge. Should you be operating a truck that is overweight for the bridge, you should plan for an alternative route prior to your trip.
"As public service agencies, our desire is to keep the public safe. This includes occupants of both passenger vehicles and large trucks," Colonel Terry Maple, Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol said. "We will be monitoring the Willard Bridge closely during the coming months to help keep overweight vehicles off the bridge. While the opening of the Maple Hill Bridge should remedy the situation, the Patrol, along with the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office, will remain aware of the traffic travelling the Willard Bridge."
Weight limits for the Willard Bridge are as follows:
- 36 tons for any truck-trailer combination;
- 21 tons for truck-tractor, semi-trailer combinations;
- And 14 tons for any single vehicle.
With less heavy truck traffic on the bridge, it is hoped that the bridge life will be extended.