摘要: |
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), through an agreement with In Motion, Inc., of Denver, Colorado, has developed an automated Windows-based PC system for issuing permits for most of the 100,000+ extra-legal load requests Colorado receives each year. The automated system relies on geographic information system (GIS) information to track the current status of the State's highway network. The system documents pertinent ownership and load information about a truck, checks height, length, and weight restrictions (up to 200,000 lb), determines an appropriate route, identifies special needs such as pilot cars when necessary, and issues a permit to the trucking firm electronically. The system can select a route for the trucker automatically, check a route requested by the trucker, select a "common route" or a route can be selected by "point-and-click" on a map. The system is flexible and is used to issue single trip and annual permits. The system logs all requests and creates an electronic "rolodex" database of requestors, which saves time and eliminates errors for future requests from the same company. Based on predefined axle and axle group criteria, the system is used to permit loads up to 200,000 lb. Permit requests for loads over 200,000 lb are sent to, and reviewed by, engineers in CDOT's Staff Bridge Branch Rating Unit. Over the years, CDOT has developed tools to help expedite analyses and provide faster turn-around to the trucking industry. Some of these tools have been incorporated into the automated system and future enhancements will include more of these tools to aid in evaluation of loads greater than 200,000 lb. This paper describes the automated system, the enhancements to the system currently being worked on, the current method of reviewing overload requests (less than as well as greater than 200,000 lb), and the future automation for loads over 200,000 lb. |