All oversize loads entering the City of New Bern, located in Craven County, must conform to the requirements set by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the City of New Bern Public Works Department.

In general, any vehicle exceeding 8 feet 6 inches in width, 13 feet 6 inches in height, and operating within the Class 'A' weight limits should obtain an oversize load permit from the NCDOT and potentially the New Bern Public Works Department if local roads are involved.

Specific to New Bern, loads traversing the US-70 Business route through downtown or requiring passage over the Trent River Bridge will need careful route planning and may require additional scrutiny from the city engineer to ensure structural integrity and minimal disruption to traffic flow, especially during peak hours and events like MumFest.

In New Bern, escort vehicles are typically required for loads exceeding 12 feet in width or 14 feet 6 inches in height. Length restrictions also apply, generally triggering escort requirements for loads exceeding 75 feet in overall length.

Local police escorts from the New Bern Police Department may be required for extremely large or complex moves, particularly those involving road closures or significant traffic management. Fees for police escorts vary depending on the duration and complexity of the move, and scheduling requires at least 72 hours' notice. Contact the New Bern Police Department Traffic Division for specific rates and availability.

To apply for oversize load permits affecting City of New Bern streets, you must first obtain the necessary permits from the NCDOT. Following this, contact the New Bern Public Works Department at (252) 639-2915 to determine if a local permit is also needed. The NCDOT permit application can be found on their official website.

Documentation requirements specific to New Bern may include detailed route maps highlighting city streets, structural analysis for bridge crossings (especially the Trent River Bridge), and proof of insurance. The city may also require a traffic management plan for moves occurring during peak hours or near sensitive areas like schools or hospitals.

Time-of-day restrictions are enforced in New Bern, particularly during peak traffic hours (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) on weekdays. Movement through downtown New Bern is generally discouraged during these times.

Seasonal restrictions may apply during major events such as MumFest in October, when traffic congestion is significantly increased. Check with the New Bern Public Works Department for specific restrictions during these periods.

Certain routes are restricted due to narrow streets, low bridges, or weight limitations. Specifically, residential areas east of Broad Street and certain sections of Trent Road have weight restrictions. The city engineer can provide detailed route information and alternatives.

Permit fees for oversize loads in New Bern are tiered based on the size and weight of the load, as well as the distance traveled on city streets. Base fees typically start around $25.00.

Fees vary significantly based on the complexity of the route, the need for escorts, and potential impact on city infrastructure. Moves requiring police escorts will incur additional hourly charges.