In brief: Weight restrictions posted on Barker

Weight restrictions were posted Friday on the Barker Road Bridge, limiting weights on large commercial trucks to a maximum of 35 tons. The decision followed the results of a bi-annual inspection indicating the measure was necessary to prevent further deterioration to the bridge before reconstruction begins this spring.

“The restriction only affects large heavily loaded trucks,” explained city of Spokane Valley senior engineer Steve Worley. “Ordinary day-to-day use by smaller, lighter vehicles won’t be affected.”

Weight restrictions as follows will be posted at bridge approaches: single truck 25 tons, truck and semitrailer 35 tons, truck and trailer 35 tons.

Reconstruction of the bridge, which crosses the Spokane River between I-90 and Trent Avenue, is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2008. At that time, the bridge will be closed to all traffic. The full closure allows reconstruction to finish sooner than if the bridge is left partially open to traffic during reconstruction.

– From staff reports