ODOT Imposes Weight Limits on Mt. Emily Overpass at Exit 243

The Oregon Department of Transportation placed new vehicle weight limits on the Mt. Emily Road (Kamela) overpass that crosses Interstate 84 at Exit 243 between Pendleton and La Grande, effective February 12, 2026, according to an ODOT GovDelivery bulletin issued Feb. 12 at 9:15 a.m. PST. The restriction applies immediately to heavier commercial traffic and is intended to keep the structure in service while ODOT schedules strengthening work in spring.

ODOT cited age and load-rating problems on the steel-and-concrete span, which was built in 1957. As ODOT explained in local reporting, "The ledges that support the steel bridge span are not passing the load rating analysis. We need to strengthen these ledges before we can lift the load restrictions." A trucking-industry summary of the announcement added that "The bridge…wasn’t made for the large vehicles of today, and is showing wear and tear."

ODOT published explicit vehicle-class limits that took effect Feb. 12. Under the new limits: Type 3, a 3-axle single-unit truck (dump truck, concrete mixer, fire engine, no trailer), is limited to 19 tons; Type 3S2, a 3-axle truck tractor pulling a 2-axle semi-trailer (standard 5-axle semi / 18-wheeler), is limited to 25 tons; Type 3-3, a 3-axle truck pulling a 3-axle trailer (heavy straight truck with full trailer), is limited to 22 tons. Single-unit classes SU4 (4-axle), SU5 (5-axle) are limited to 19 tons; SU6 (6-axle) and SU7 (7-axle) are limited to 20 tons. Emergency vehicles (2–3 axles) such as fire engines, rescue vehicles, and ambulances are limited to 22 tons.

Operationally, ODOT's bulletin is categorical about routing: "All vehicles that are over allowed weight limits need to use an alternate or detour route." The notice directs drivers to TripCheck or to call 5-1-1 for 24/7 road conditions and traffic alerts, but it does not name specific detour roads or publish a local detour map in the GovDelivery text. The bulletin also does not describe enforcement mechanisms, permit exceptions, or whether local deliveries or emergency movements above the posted limits will be accommodated.

ODOT told readers the limits are temporary and repair work is planned when weather permits. "ODOT has planned work to strengthen the bridge for later this spring when weather conditions improve," the agency said in local reporting; ODOT expects to remove the restrictions after that strengthening work is completed. The notice defines a "standard legal vehicle" as any vehicle at or below 40 tons with no single axle more than 10 tons and no tandem axle more than 17 tons.

For business operators, carriers, and emergency agencies seeking clarification, ODOT listed a contact: Rich Lani, District 12 Manager, at 541-278-6021 or richard.lani@odot.oregon.gov. For drivers checking conditions, the bulletin advises TripCheck and 5-1-1. The GovDelivery announcement, East Oregonian coverage, and industry reposts on Feb. 12 together establish the effective date, the posted weight limits, the technical reason for the restriction, and the planned spring work, while leaving local detour details and enforcement practices to be clarified by ODOT or county authorities.