CITY OF RENTON
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2019
Three City of Renton bridges to get weight restrictions starting May 16
New regulations impact Williams Ave Bridge, Houser Way Bridge and Nile Ave NE Bridge
RENTON, WA – On February 24, 2016, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued new regulations that impose vehicle weight restrictions on local bridges. As a result, three City of Renton bridges will have vehicle weight restrictions imposed starting May 16, 2019, and new signs listing the weight limits will be installed on these bridges.
The FHWA memorandum directed cities to evaluate their bridge inventory to determine if their bridges required vehicle weight restrictions for new truck sizes and weights. The city utilized a structural engineer to perform new bridge load ratings on bridges that met the FHWA criteria.
The three bridges affected are Williams Ave Bridge (built in 1954), Houser Way Bridge (built in 1960) and Nile Ave NE Bridge (built in 1951). The restrictions are being imposed as the result of a city review of all bridges in the city’s inventory.
The new weight restrictions will only prohibit use of the bridges by certain large and heavy commercial and emergency response vehicles that exceed the posted maximum weights. Automobiles, pickup trucks and other vehicles below these listed weights will continue to be permitted to use the bridges.
City News Releases
About the City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 104,100 (2018), is located on the southeast shore of Lake Washington, just south of Seattle. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace and favorable business climate have attracted the attention of nationally recognized companies that are providing employees and their families an outstanding quality of life. Renton is the home of Boeing, PACCAR, IKEA, the Seattle Seahawks, and the eternal resting place of Jimi Hendrix. More information can be found on our website, news releases, or Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor pages.
###