All oversize loads entering the City of Goshen, located in Elkhart County, must conform to the requirements set by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the City of Goshen's local ordinances.

In general, any vehicle exceeding 8 feet 6 inches in width, 13 feet 6 inches in height, or operating with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 80,000 pounds requires an oversize/overweight load permit from INDOT. Within Goshen city limits, additional permitting may be required for particularly large or heavy loads, especially those impacting local infrastructure.

Loads exceeding the standard legal limits and utilizing state roads within Goshen should first obtain an INDOT permit. Then, contact the Goshen Public Works Department to determine if any additional local permits are needed, particularly if the load will traverse city streets extensively or impact city-owned utilities or infrastructure. Specific attention is paid to loads traversing the downtown area due to historical buildings and narrow streets.

Escort vehicles are typically required in Goshen when loads exceed 12 feet in width, 14 feet 6 inches in height, or 100 feet in length. The specific number of escorts depends on the dimensions and route. For instance, loads exceeding 14 feet in width generally require two escorts: one in front and one in the rear.

Local police escorts may be required for extremely large or heavy loads, particularly those impacting traffic flow significantly or requiring temporary road closures. Contact the Goshen Police Department's Traffic Division at (574) 533-4151 to inquire about police escort availability, fees (typically $75 per hour with a 4-hour minimum), and scheduling requirements. Police escorts are often mandated for loads exceeding 16 feet in width or those requiring temporary removal of traffic signals.

For loads requiring only an INDOT permit and minimal travel on city streets, apply directly through INDOT's online permitting system. For loads significantly impacting Goshen city streets or requiring local infrastructure adjustments, contact the Goshen Public Works Department at (574) 534-2201. Their office is located at 204 East Jefferson Street, Goshen, IN 46528. You may need to complete a separate city permit application.

Documentation requirements for Goshen include a copy of the INDOT permit (if applicable), a detailed route plan within the city limits, vehicle and load dimensions, and a certificate of insurance. For extremely heavy loads, a structural analysis may be required to assess the impact on bridges and roadways. The Public Works Department will advise on specific documentation needs based on the load characteristics.

Time-of-day restrictions may apply in Goshen, particularly during peak traffic hours (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) on major thoroughfares like US-33 and SR-15. Movement during these hours may be restricted or require a police escort.

Seasonal weight restrictions are often implemented on certain Goshen city streets during the spring thaw (typically March-April) to protect roadways from damage. Check with the Goshen Street Department for specific weight limits during this period.

Certain residential areas and streets with low overhead clearances are restricted to oversize loads. Route planning should avoid areas like the historic district downtown and residential neighborhoods with narrow streets and mature trees. The Public Works Department can provide a list of restricted routes based on the load dimensions.

The City of Goshen's permit fees vary depending on the size and weight of the load, as well as the complexity of the route and any required traffic management. Base permit fees typically start around $50, but can increase significantly for larger or heavier loads.

Additional fees may be assessed for route surveys, traffic control measures (e.g., flaggers), or police escorts. The Public Works Department will provide a detailed fee estimate based on the specific load and route.