South West bridge load limit changes

What’s happening?

Main Roads WA (MRWA) have informed Water Corporation that multiple road traffic bridges across the south of WA need their load limit reduced.

A new load rating sign will be placed at each affected bridge site, to show the new maximum load limit (in tonnes). This is the total combined weight of the vehicle and load allowed to cross the bridge.

These measures will protect the bridge structures and ensure the ongoing safety of all bridge users. It is essential that road users adhere to load limits.

Where possible, alternative routes will be provided for heavier vehicles. Water Corporation is working closely with MRWA and all impacted Local Governments to minimise disruption to local road users.

If your vehicle is operated with a WA Class C License or a WA Light Rigid License, these changes do not affect you. These vehicle types can still cross these bridges.

Why is this happening?

This change in load limit is a direction from Main Roads WA following recent structural inspections. To manage stress on the bridge structure, this bridge cannot continue to carry heavy loads.

When is this happening?

Each bridge will have its load limit changed when we are directed to do so by MRWA. We will provide advance notice of changes (where possible) to nearby residents and businesses.

Where alternative routes are available, they will be provided on our website, including maps.

These alternative routes will sometimes take longer to travel. We advise you to safely plan your journey in advance.

To help plan your journey, please check this list of Water Corporation-owned bridges that are planned to have their load limit changed.

Can my vehicle cross these bridges?

If the total weight of your vehicle and load is above the weight stated on the bridge load limit sign, you will not be able to cross the bridge and will need to use an alternative route.

A summary of all vehicle classes that can and can’t cross these bridges is provided in the table below.

List of vehicle classes that can and can't cross the bridges with load limit changes  

Vehicle class	License type	Is it safe to cross?
Pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles	Any class	Safe to cross
Passenger cars and vans, including trailers	WA Class C License	Safe to cross
Class 3 Two Axle Truck or Bus	WA Light Rigid License Class	Safe to cross
Class 3 Two Axle Truck or Bus	WA Medium Rigid License Class	Check your specific vehicle weight before crossing
Class 4 Three Axle Truck or Bus	WA Heavy Rigid Class License	Check your specific vehicle length, weight and axle arrangement before crossing
Class 5 Four Axle Truck and above	WA Heavy Rigid Class or WA Heavy Combination Class License	Do not cross
Common Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicles, Agricultural Vehicles and Vehicles carrying large indivisible loads	Any class	Do not cross

Not sure which vehicle class or licence type applies to you? Visit the links below for more details to help you identify your vehicle.

• Vehicle classes – Department of Transport
• Austroads vehicle classification – Austroads
• Agricultural vehicles – General requirements guide
• Guide to Restricted Access Vehicle (RAV) classes

Who can I contact?

To sign up for email updates about bridges in your local area, please email us at bridgelimits@watercorporation.com.au.

For urgent enquiries or a safety issue with one of our bridges, please call our 24/7 Faults and Emergencies team on 13 13 75.

SEND AN ENQUIRY

Below is a list of Water Corporation-owned bridges planned to be load limited and their new weight limit, including alternative route maps with directions.