Abnormal Loads

Large or heavy loads which need to be transported are known as 'abnormal loads'.

The control of movement of abnormal loads is performed in association with the Road Haulier's Association, (Hauliers are companies that specialise in moving large/heavy loads.) The National Assembly, South Wales Police and other Emergency Services.

Bridges & Structures team is part of the improvement section of the Environment Department. The team provides advice on routing abnormal vehicles and arranges temporary removal etc. of street furniture to facilitate wide/long loads.

  The team mainly deals with two areas of work:

• The first relates to the management and control of highway structures including bridges culverts and retaining walls. The team is responsible for carrying out assessments and inspections and for implementing strengthening, replacement and maintenance schemes for all highway structures.

The team also designs structures, carries out the Area Bridge Authority functions and controls the movements of abnormal loads.

We are also responsible for checking all structures within the Swansea area that is adjacent to the highway under the Highway Act 1980.

• The second function relates to building structures. The team acts as a specialist consultant to other departments and outside bodies. We are responsible for checking the structural details of building regulations applications, the structural design of new buildings and for the structural aspects of building maintenance schemes.