Caltrans issuing special permits for overweight trucks carrying COVID-19 response supplies
(KION) Caltrans said it will temporarily issue special permits for overweight trucks carrying emergency supplies for COVID-19 response.
The permits come after Governor Newsom's Atate of Emergency declaration and activation of the federal Stafford Disaster Relief and Assistance Act, according to Caltrans.
“Authorizing these special exceptions clears a path for greater volumes of material vital in the fight against COVID-19,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “Emergency medical supplies and equipment, groceries, perishable items, water and countless other essential items will now reach their destinations more rapidly than they did before, at a time when people need them most.”
The permits will be issued for overweight trucks on state highways and will help transportation operators get permits from local agencies for local roads. They increase the maximum allowed gross vehicle weight from 80,000 to 88,000 pounds. The permits will be valid until further notice.
To speed up the permits, Caltrans is doing a review and analysis on major routes, including Highway 101. Others include I-5, I-15, SR 60, I-405, SR 99, I-10, SR 91, I-80 and I-710.
Essential goods are defined as:
- Medical supplies and equipment used for testing, diagnosing and treating COVID-19.
- Supplies and equipment needed to keep the community safe and sanitary to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and disinfectant.
- Food, paper products and other items for emergency restocking of distribution centers or stores.
- Materials used to make the items above, such as paper, plastic or alcohol.
- Fuel
- Equipment, supplies and people necessary to create and manage temporary housing, quarantine and isolation facilities related to COVID-19.
Caltrans is continuing to perform highway maintenance, keep road access to medical facilities and facilitate the transportation of essential goods and services during the Stay at Home order.
