As of April 27, 2020, Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement is temporarily allowing carriers hauling extraordinary loads three alternatives to having a second person in cab to navigate bridge crossings. The alternatives – using GPS devices or implementation of a Journey Management Plan – are based on requirements proposed by BCTA’s Heavy Haul Committee.

CVSE has temporarily revised existing bridge crossing conditions to support social distancing practices required during the COVID-19 state of emergency. Normally, general bridge crossing restrictions for oversize/overweight vehicles require a second person with the vehicle driver to identify the locations of and crossing restrictions for bridges on the route and to relay these to the driver. Carriers can still follow these requirements if they are able to implement best safety practices for two people in the truck cab, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment, separation shields and so on, or, they can choose among two GPS options or implementation of a Journey Management Plan instead. If they choose one of the alternatives, they must notify the CVSE District Managers along their route about their chosen option at least 24 hours in advance, if possible (see CVSE’s notice below for details). In the case of a Journey Management Plan, carriers must also provide CVSE with a copy as part of their notification.

For details about each alternative, see CVSE Notice 02-20.

This allowance is temporary while the COVID-19 state of emergency remains in place. Note that if you do not notify CVSE about an alternative, CVSE will assume you have a second person present for the bridge crossing portion of the route and have chosen to provide and install safety-related materials and equipment.