Jefferson County's Overweight Policy

COUNTY OF JEFFERSON §

STATE OF TEXAS §

BE IT REMEMBERED at a meeting of Commissioners’ Court of Jefferson County, Texas, held on the 23^rd day of August , 1999 , on motion made by Jimmie P. Cokinos , Commissioner of Precinct No. 1 , and seconded by Waymon D. Hallmark , Commissioner of Precinct No. 3 , the following Resolution was adopted:

WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on the 9^th day of August , 1999 at 10:00 A.M. in the Jefferson County Commissioners’ Courtroom, 4^th Floor, Jefferson County Courthouse, Beaumont, Texas to discuss the establishment of maximum load limits for all county roads in Jefferson County, and

WHEREAS, notice of said public hearing was published in a newspaper with county wide circulation one time, giving at least seven (7) days but not more than thirty (30) days notice of said hearing as required by Section 251.152, Transportation Code.

It is therefore RESOLVED and ORDERED that the following weight limitations be and hereby are established for all vehicular traffic on county roads pursuant to and in accordance with the county’s authority under Section 621.301, Transportation Code.

(a) A vehicle or combination of vehicles may not be operated over or on a county road if the vehicle or combination exceeds the maximum weight of load as specified in Section 621.101, Transportation Code, to wit:

(1) an axle that carries a load heavier than:

16,000 pounds on high-pressure tires; or
20,000 pounds on low-pressure tires, including all enforcement tolerances as established in the Transportation Code.

(2) a tandem axle weight heavier than 34,000 pounds, including all enforcement tolerances as established in the Transportation Code.

(3) an overall gross weight on a group of two or more consecutive axles heavier than the weight computed using the following formula and rounding the result to the nearest 500 pounds:

W = 500((LN/(N – 1)) + 12N + 36)

Where:

"W" is maximum overall gross weight on the group;

"L" is distance in feet between the axles of the group that are the farthest apart; and

"N" is number of axles in the group;

(4) a weight heavier than:

600 pounds for each inch of tire width concentrated on the surface of the highway on a wheel using high-pressure tires; or
650 pounds for each inch of tire width concentrated on the surface of the highway on a wheel using low-pressure tires; or

(5) a wheel that carries a load heavier than:

8,000 pounds on high-pressure tires; or
10,000 pounds on low-pressure tires.

(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a)(3), two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a gross load of not more than 34,000 pounds each if the overall distance between the first and last axles of the consecutive sets is 36 feet or more. The overall gross weight on a group of two or more consecutive axles may not be heavier than 80,000 pounds, including all enforcement tolerances as established in the Transportation Code.

(c) For the purposes of this ORDER, the load carried on an axle is the total load transmitted to the road by all wheels the centers of which can be included between two parallel transverse vertical planes 40 inches apart, extending across the full width of the vehicle.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Resolution, the following roads are excluded from the Resolution and are limited to the gross weight limits as indicated:

Hillebrant Road from Humble Road to Hwy. 365 – in Precinct No. 4 and 2. – 10,000 pounds.

Labelle Road from Steinhagen Road to Hwy. 365 – in Precinct No. 4 and 2 – 32,000 pounds.

Keith Rd. from Hwy. 105 to Calder – in Precinct No. 1 –32,000 pounds.

Walden Rd. from Major Dr. to South Pine Island – in Precinct No. 1- 32,000 pounds.

South Pine Island to Hwy. 90 – in Precinct No. 1 – 32,000 pounds

Tram Rd. from Hwy. 105 to County Line - in Precinct No. 1 – 32,000 pounds

Tolivar Canal Rd. – in Precinct No. 1 – 32,000 pounds

Gentry Road – from Reins Road to Dishman – in Precinct No. 1 – 32,000 pounds

Grayburg Road – from FM 362 to Highway 90 – in Precinct No. 1 – 32,000 pounds

Moore Road – from Reins Road to Old Sour Lake Road – in Precinct No. 1 – 32,000 pounds

Dishman Road – from Major Drive to Reins Road – in Precinct No. 1 – 32,000 pounds

Westbury – from Broadway to Old Sour Lake Road – in Precinct No. 1 – 32,000 pounds

Reins Road – from Highway 105 to Moore Road – in Precinct No. 1 – 32,000 pounds

Aggie Drive – from Old Sour Lake Road to Highway 90 – in Precinct No. 1 – 32,000 pounds

Old Sour Lake Road – from Calder Avenue to Bayou – in Precinct No. 1 – 32,000 pounds

Broadway – from Highway 90 to North China Road – in Precinct No. 1 – 32,000 pounds

Broadway – from Highway 90 to South China Road – in Precinct No. 1 – 32,000 pounds

South China to County Line – in Precinct No. 1 – 32,000 pounds

North China Road to Old Sour Lake Road – in Precinct No. 1 – 32,000 pounds

Labelle Rd. from Hwy. 73 North to Burrell Wingate Rd.- in Precinct No. 2- 24,000 pounds.

Jap Rd. from Patterson Rd. South to Hwy. 73- in precinct No. 2 – 28,000 pounds.

Craigen Rd. from Clark Refining entrance east to Paterson Rd.- in Precinct No. 2 –32,000 pounds.

Wilber Rd. from New Park Industries entrance South to East Hamshire Rd. – in Precinct 2 and 3 - 32,000 pounds.

Santa Fe Trail – in Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds.

Mesa lane – in Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds.

Mustang Trail – in Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds.

Sandy Lane – from FM 365 to Dead End in Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Southfork Dr. – in Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Azlea Drive – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Oleander Ave. – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Orchid Ave. – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Camellia Dr. – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Magnolia Dr. – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Holly Ave. – Precinct No 3 – 32,000 pounds

Coon Road – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Gordon Road – Precinct No 3 – 32,000 pounds

Gordon Road – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Glen Road – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

East Hamshire Rd. – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

North Wilber Rd. – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Bayou Trace – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Cyress Lane – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Wise Road – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Maverick Lane – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Marsh Road – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

McCall Road – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

League Road – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Alamo Street – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

2^nd Street – Precinct No. 3. – 32,000 pounds

Main Street – Precinct No. – 32,000 pounds

San Jacinto - Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Hall Road – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Fig Plant Rd. – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Powers Road – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

West Powers Rd. – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Martin Street – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Glory Road – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Old Big Hill Rd. – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Wilford Road – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Clifton Ave. – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Jackie road – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Dell Dale Ave – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Ward Circle – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Bergeron Drive – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Sandell Drive – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Horton Drive – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Buccaneer Road – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Heckaman Loop – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

French Village – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Gallier Road – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Hamshire Rd from Hwy 124 to IH-10 – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Rollins Rd from Englin Rd. to Hwy 124 – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Kiker Rd. from Hwy 124 to Hwy 73 – Precinct No. 3 – 32,000 pounds

Brush Island from Hampshire Rd. to Rollins Rd.-Precinct No. 32,000 pounds

It is further RESOLVED and ORDERED that any vehicular traffic exceeding any of the foregoing weight limits be and hereby is divided into two categories:

CATEGORY 1: OVERWEIGHT VEHICLES – Vehicles exceeding any of the foregoing weight limits but which does not exceed 100,000 pounds in overall gross weight on a group of two or more consecutive axles.

CATEGORY 2: SUPERHEAVY VEHICLES – Vehicles exceeding any of the foregoing weight limits with an overall gross weight on a group of two or more consecutive axles exceeding 100,000 pounds.

It is further RESOLVED and ORDERED that any vehicular traffic classified in Category 1 and not possessing a valid State permit for overweight vehicles must first notify the precinct Commissioner and/or foreman in the precinct or precincts in which it will operate and then obtain a permit from the Jefferson County Engineer. The initial permit granted by the County Engineer shall be valid for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of its issuance. During this ninety (90) day period it shall be the duty of anyone desiring to operate overweight vehicles to request a permit from the Jefferson County Commissioners’ Court. An operator of an overweight vehicle may be required by the Commissioner’s Court to execute a bond in an amount sufficient to guarantee the payment of any damages to any County road or County bridge sustained as a consequence of the transportation authorized by the State or County permit. The granting of permits under this provision shall be in accordance with Section 623.018, Transportation Code.

It is further RESOLVED and ORDERED that any vehicular traffic classified in Category 2 and not possessing a valid state permit for overweight vehicles will be allowed to operate on county roads after notifying the precinct Commissioner and/or foreman in the precinct or precincts in which it will operate, and after obtaining a Category 2 overweight permit from the County Engineer. The initial permit granted by the County Engineer shall be valid for a ninety (90) day period; it shall be the duty of anyone desiring to operate superheavy vehicles to request a permit from the Jefferson County Commissioners’ Court. An operator of a superheavy vehicle may be required by the Commissioners’ Court to execute a bond in an amount sufficient to guarantee the payment of any damages to any County road or County bridge sustained as a consequence of the transportation authorized by the County permit. The granting of permits under this provision shall be in accordance with Section 623.018, Transportation Code. A $200.00 fee shall be charged for Category 2 superheavy permits.

It is therefore RESOLVED and ORDERED that the following:

Who Must Apply

Any person, company or corporation wishing to operate a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or combination of those vehicles, or a truck-tractor or combination of a truck-tractor and one or more other vehicles, that is in itself overweight, oversize or overlength, or while in the action of transporting a commodity, is overweight, oversize or overlength, on the roadways of Jefferson County, or in the opinion of the County Engineer could severely damage the roadway.

A maximum weight set under this resolution does not apply to a vehicle delivering groceries or farm products to a destination requiring travel over a road for which the maximum is set.

A maximum weight or load set under this policy becomes effective on a highway or road when appropriate signs giving notice of the maximum weight or load are erected on the highway or road under order of the Commissioners Court.

Any person, company or corporation in possession of a valid and current overweight vehicle permit issued by the State of Texas, as defined in the State of Texas’ Transportation Code, section 623.011, "Permit For Excess Axle Or Gross Weight", is exempt from having to obtain an overweight vehicle permit from Jefferson County. Any person, company or corporation issued a state permit under the above section must provide copies of the issued permit and bonds provided to the state, along with the completed permit application to the address listed below under Application.

The permittee shall comply with all rules, regulations, principals and specifications herein contained and any others subsequently adopted by the Jefferson County Commissioners’ Court prior to the issuance of the permit.

Application

The permittee must complete seven (7) copies of the form herein contained, outlining in detail the purpose and route of the overweight vehicle. A plat of the project area identifying the location and route of the overweight vehicle, including roads, major stream crossings, survey lines, scale, northerly direction and property ownership.

A current USGS (United States Geological Survey) 7.5’ Quad map with the location and route of the overweight vehicle, including roads, major stream crossings, survey lines, scale, northerly direction and property ownership will satisfy the plat requirements.

The completed application forms and maps must be returned to:

Jefferson County Engineering Department

1149 Pearl Street – 5^th Floor

Beaumont, Texas 77701

Changes and Alterations

Advance notification in writing will be required for any changes or alterations in the Overweight Vehicle Permit except in emergency situations where the safety of the public would be endangered.

In any such emergency, contact the County Engineer by phone (409) 835-8584 and inform him/her of the emergency situation and any proposed solution. As soon as practical, but no later than 48 hours after starting the emergency response, the permit holder shall notify the County Engineer in writing of the emergency response effected, in detail and the reason(s) immediate action was necessary.

Time Limits

The permit holder is allowed ninety (90) days from the granting of the permit to complete operations. If the permit holder can not complete the work within the allowed time frame specified, the permit holder may re-apply. Any re-application must be completed prior to the expiration of the previously issued permit.

Bonds

Permit holder shall have in force with Jefferson County a performance bond in the principal amounts of $10,000.00 for each roadway crossing and $100,000.00 per mile or fraction thereof or $25,000.00 per culvert crossing. The bond shall be payable to Jefferson County for the use and benefit of protecting against damage to Jefferson County’s property.

The bond shall provide that it may not be cancelled, altered or otherwise modified without fifteen (15) days prior written notice to Jefferson County. The bond shall be good and in effect for the length of the permit or such time as operations may be reasonably expected to be in effect.

Violations of this order shall be adjudicated in accordance with Section 251.161, Transportation Code which provides that a violation of a County Weight Limit Order is a misdemeanor which will be punished by a fine not to exceed $50.00 for the first offense; a fine not to exceed $200.00 for the second offense; and for each subsequent offense a fine not to exceed $500.00; confinement in the county jail for a period not to exceed 60 days; or both the fine and confinement.

This resolution supersedes and repeals the 1986 resolution of the Jefferson County Commissioners’ Court concerning maximum weight limits for County roads, and shall be in full force and effect from the 23rd day of August, 1999.

PASSED this 23rd day of August, 1999.

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