The maximum permitted weight of lorries was increased in February 2001 to 44 tonnes. All bridges have been assessed to see if they could cope with this increase safely.
Pending strengthening, public safety is maintained on those bridges assessed as weak by using temporary weight restrictions or other measures and restrictions.
Work carried out under the strengthening programme gives priority to principal road bridges. For substandard bridges on the non-principal road network. Each bridge is considered on its merits taking into account safety, economic and environmental factors.
Decisions are made whether to permanently weight restrict rather than strengthen. For further information please use the contact details above.