Abstract

In 2012, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Division of Motor Carriers (DMC) issued 98,196 overweight or over-dimensional (OW/OD) permits. To determine whether a route can accommodate an OW/OD vehicle, analysts must have current and accurate data on construction schedules, road conditions, and detour routes, among other factors. This study documents processes used by DMC for permitting and routing OW/OD vehicles. It includes detailed flowcharts that capture each aspect analysts follow during the decision-making process. As part of this project, state transportation agency representatives from states bordering Kentucky (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, and Missouri) were interviewed to identify potential best practices for permitting and routing OW/OD trucks. They collected information on how these states currently use Bentley SUPERLOAD software. Insights drawn from these interviews informed DMC’s implementation of Bentley SUPERLOAD Version 4. Following the adoption of Bentley SUPERLOAD Version 4, a number of issues were identified by DMC staff. Key problems included software bugs which require staff to intervene and then restart the permitting process, staff being unable to view the status of permits sent to KYTC’s Bridge Preservation section for review, and the distribution of automated notifications to carriers when restrictions are changed on their active permits, but which offer no details on how to amend the permit. A survey of transportation agency officials in states which have adopted Bentley SUPERLOAD Version 5 was developed and administered to determine if those problems have been resolved.

Report Date

9-2021

Report Number

KTC-18-09/SPR17-534-1F

Digital Object Identifier

https://doi.org/10.13023/ktc.rr.2018.09

Notes

© 2021 University of Kentucky, Kentucky Transportation Center

Information may not be used, reproduced, or republished without KTC’s written consent.

The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the University of Kentucky, the Kentucky Transportation Center, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the United States Department of Transportation, or the Federal Highway Administration. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. The inclusion of manufacturer names or trade names is for identification purposes and should not be considered an endorsement.

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