Illinois

Escorts

One civilian escort vehicle is required:

1. For all moves that exceed 14’6” in width;
2. For all moves that exceed 110’ in length;
3. For all moves that exceed 14’6” in height;
4. For any move either across, upon, or along a highway when additional warning is required to alert the traveling public. For instance, if a movement is required to travel during darkness or on a weekend to respond to an emergency situation, a civilian escort will be required.
5. When deemed necessary by the Department’s Bridge Office’s analysis or by the Department’s District Investigations.

Two civilian escort vehicles are required:

1. For all moves that exceed both 14’6” in width and 14’6” in height;
2. For all moves that exceed both 14’6” in height and 110’ in length;
3. For all moves that exceed both 14’6” in width and 110’ in length.
4. When deemed necessary by the Department’s Bridge Office’s analysis or by the Department’s District Investigations.

Three civilian escorts are required:

1. For all moves that exceed 16’ in width;
2. For all moves that exceed 145’ in length;
3. For all moves that exceed 18’ in height;
4. When deemed necessary by the Department’s Bridge Office’s analysis or by the Department’s District Investigations.

* Routing and permit will determine whether Front or Rear escorts are required.

Police escorts

Illinois State Police escorts are required:

1. For all moves that exceed 18’ in width;
2. For all moves that exceed 200’ in length;
3. For all moves that exceed 18’ in height;
4. For overweight moves where bridge restrictions require that all traffic be kept off of a structure while the permitted vehicle crosses;
5. For any move of an unusual nature where additional traffic control is necessary to alert the motoring public to the permit movement.
6. When deemed necessary by the Department's Bridge Office's analysis or by the Department’s District investigation.

State police escort is generally required on moves that are entirely or partially outside of the municipality and subject to the following.

Minimum of 24 hour notice is needed.

Municipal police

Permit office will determine if state or municipal police escort is needed for any move partially or wholly within a municipality.

Permit application review times

• >16’ Wide (Requires a district investigation can take up to 10 full working days)
• >17’ High (Requires a district investigation can take up to 10 full working days)
• >200’ Long (Requires an Illinois State Police escort which shall be set up at least 24 hours prior to movement. Holidays and weekends are excluded.)
• ≤249,999 lbs. GVW with any structure showing a Bridge Weight Conflict rating along the route being traveled upon (Requires either a Manual Bridge Analysis that can take up to 5 full working days or an Illinois State Police escort that shall be set up at least 24 hours prior to movement. Holidays and weekends are excluded.)
• 299,999 lbs. GVW (Requires a Manual Bridge Analysis that can take up to 5 full working days.)
• Trunnion (dual-lane trailer) moves (Require a Manual Bridges Analysis that can take up to 5 full working days.)
• 29,000 lbs. on a single axle (Requires a Pavement Analysis that can take up to 5 full working days. No structures can be crossed.)

Escort vehicle requirements can differ significantly by state in terms of mandatory driver qualifications, training, certifications, vehicle weights, obligatory signage/flags/lighting, necessary onboard equipment, and more. The ODS team can provide you with all additional requirements specific to your route.