A routine bridge inspection has led Dunn County highway officials to reduce to 20 tons the weight allowed on the County Highway BB/Tainter Lake bridge in Cedar Falls.
“We inspect our bridges every year or every other year,” said Dustin Binder, Highway Commissioner. “A recent inspection was performed on bridge structure B17-951 and concluded that certain steel members of the bridge have deteriorated to a point that warrants the implementation of a 20-ton gross vehicle weight load posting of this structure.”
The weight limit on the County Highway BB/Tainter Lake bridge was reduced from 45 tons to 20 tons, Binder said, and signs with the new weight limit have been installed.
All loads greater than 20 tons must use an alternate route and are restricted from crossing the posted bridge. Disregarding the load posting is subject to fines and could compromise the structural integrity of the bridge, Binder said.
This bridge structure will be monitored annually by licensed inspectors and will be evaluated for potential replacement in the future, he added.
