Thread: Bridge weight limit sign confusion..

Hi, can anyone please explain a bridge sign seen on a private property just of the main road which has written on it:

Heavy vehicle bridge limits
Axles Class 1
Gross 30% Class 1
Speed 10km/h

Question is, what is exactly the weight for class 1 ??
Does this sign mean the bridge is on it's last legs and using it with a small truck is plain crazy?
Who measures this? and do these signs change when the bridge deteriorates?

I googled many opinions and everyone has got a different interpretation..
The worst comes from gv nz with many little round dots and letters inside that doesn't explain anything.
For example, can the bridge been used by a truck carrying a 20ft empty shipping container? (they usually have two rear axles, I think)
can the bridge been used by a normal sized tractor and trailer or motor home?...

Try this.https://nzmotorhome.co.nz/forum/view...&t=423&start=8 Forgot to add they have done there own wieght limit assessment if its a private bridge.

Still confused

A truck for that size container would be a Class 4 truck. Im reading that sign as only suitable for a ute.

Weight and speed restrictions
Note: A bridge with a Gross Limit % less than 100% cannot be used by Class 1 (44 Tonne) heavy vehicles.

The Gross Limit % tells you what percentage of Class 1 (44 Tonnes) the bridge can currently carry. It must be 100% to safely accommodate Class 1 (44 Tonne) vehicles.

Have a look at maximum axle weights of a heavy vehicle ie a 6 wheeler loaded is approx. 21 tonne over the 3 axles, then take 30% of that and you have the maximum weight per axle allowed on the bridge.

It will have been designed with a 50% safety margin, go for it hahahaha

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Te_Rata_Bridge

I read it as "APPROXIMATELY" 14 tonne gross max and no more than 5 tonne per axle. Best ask a cop.

Do I see it right and the bridge can carry 13.2 ton of gross weight? (44:100x30=13.2:3=4.4 ) or 4.4 ton per axle?

I believe you have it right.... thats LESS than my two axle fert truck loaded....

Basically it's fine for ute, tractor and light work truck, after that it's at your own risk.

I take it there is no ford beside the bridge????

And you need to be confident that the rating is current and not old. Floods and age can compromise abutments and bearwrs and decking. If in doubt get down where you can watch span bearers deck and abutments while somebody eases a vehicle slowly onto the bridge. You will soon see any untoward movement.

ok I just knew SOMEONE would have to type that........
is there a shallow drive across pathway beside the bridge somewhere???or alternative route (dont even go there,monogamy rules) you could take.
a bee man lost his life a few years back trying luck on a bridge that wasnt designed or maintained to take the type of loading he put on it.....