BILL REQ. #:  S-2832.1 

Read first time 05/31/13.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to special permits and signage for certain overheight or overwidth vehicle loads; amending RCW 46.44.090; adding a new section to chapter 47.36 RCW; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 46.44.090 and 2006 c 334 s 17 are each amended to read as follows:
     The department of transportation, pursuant to its rules with respect to state highways, and local authorities, with respect to public highways under their jurisdiction, may, upon application in writing and good cause being shown therefor, issue a special permit in writing, or electronically, authorizing the applicant to operate or move a vehicle or combination of vehicles of a size, weight of vehicle, or load exceeding the maximum set forth in RCW 46.44.010, 46.44.020, 46.44.030, 46.44.034, and 46.44.041 upon any public highway under the jurisdiction of the authority granting such permit and for the maintenance of which such authority is responsible. However, the department of transportation and local authorities may not issue a overheight or overwidth special permit for a vehicle moving a load that exceeds the actual measured minimum clearance height or width of a bridge on the proposed route on Washington state highways.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 47.36 RCW to read as follows:
     All structures over or across any public highway that provide less than sixteen feet of clearance from the roadway must be signed with a low clearance sign indicating the height of the structure. The sign must be consistent with the manual on uniform traffic control devices as adopted by the department under RCW 47.36.030.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.