Section 554.407  When Escort Vehicles Are Required

a)         One civilian escort vehicle is required:

1)         For all moves that exceed 14 feet 6 inches in width;

2)         For all moves that exceed 110 feet in length;

3)         For all moves that exceed 14 feet 6 inches 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.

b)         Two civilian escort vehicles are required:

1)         For all moves that exceed 18 feet in height;

2)         For all moves that exceed both 14 feet 6 inches in width and 14 feet 6 inches in height;

3)         For all moves that exceed both 14 feet 6 inches in height and 110 feet in length;

4)         For all moves that exceed both 14 feet 6 inches in width and 110 feet in length.

c)         Three civilian escorts are required:

1)         For all moves that exceed 16 feet in width;

2)         For all moves that exceed 145 feet in length;

3)         For all towed special haul rigs more than 150 feet in length.

d)         Illinois State Police Escorts

1)         Illinois State Police escorts are required:

A)        For moves greater than 18 feet in width;

B)        For moves of greater than 200 feet in length;

C)        For moves over 18 feet in height;

D)        For overweight moves where bridge restrictions require that all traffic be kept off of a structure while the permitted vehicle crosses;

E)        For any move of an unusual nature where additional traffic control is necessary to alert the motoring public to the permit movement.

F)         When deemed necessary by the Department's Bridge Office's analysis.

2)         Moves requiring Illinois State Police escorts will normally be made partially or entirely outside a municipality.  The permittee must make all arrangements with State Police Headquarters by calling 217/782-6527 at least 24 hours prior to the move.  The Permit Office may determine a State Police escort is not necessary in some instances including but not limited to the following:

A)        on moves made within a municipality if local police are utilized as specified in Section 554.407(d);

B)        on movements where the object will only cross a State highway and minimal disruption of traffic is anticipated; or

C)        on moves over 18 feet high if a field investigation reveals there are not any overhead obstructions.

e)         Local police escorts may be required in lieu of State Police escorts when the move is made entirely within the limits of a city or county.  It is the responsibility of the permittee to make all arrangements with the local police when the permit specifies such an escort as a condition of the permit.

(Source:  Amended at 36 Ill. Reg. 13254, effective August 1, 2012)