All oversize loads entering the City of Pound, located in Wise County, must conform to the requirements set by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and any supplemental regulations established by the City of Pound.

In general, any vehicle exceeding 8 feet 6 inches in width, 13 feet 6 inches in height, and operating within the Class 1 weight limits (80,000 lbs gross weight) should obtain an oversize load permit from the Pound Public Works Department, in addition to the standard VDOT permit.

Due to the mountainous terrain and narrow roads within Pound, loads exceeding these dimensions or weight limits may require a route survey conducted by the City Engineer to ensure safe passage and prevent damage to infrastructure, particularly bridges and culverts along State Route 687 (Main Street) and Route 72.

Escort vehicles are typically required in Pound for loads exceeding 12 feet in width, 14 feet 6 inches in height, or 90 feet in length. Specific escort requirements will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the City Engineer, depending on the route and load characteristics.

Local police escorts may be required for extremely large or heavy loads, or when navigating particularly challenging sections of the route. The Pound Police Department requires at least 72 hours' notice for scheduling police escorts, and fees are based on an hourly rate of $75 per officer. Contact the Pound Police Department directly to arrange for police escorts and confirm availability.

To apply for an oversize load permit for travel within the City of Pound, you must first obtain the standard Virginia oversize/overweight permit from VDOT. Once you have the VDOT permit, you can then submit a supplemental application to the Pound Public Works Department. The application can be obtained by contacting the Public Works Department at (276) 796-5151 or visiting the Pound Town Hall at 309 Main Street, Pound, VA 24279.

Documentation requirements for the City of Pound application include a copy of the VDOT permit, a detailed route plan highlighting any specific concerns (e.g., low-hanging wires, narrow bridges), and a certificate of insurance. For loads exceeding 100,000 lbs, a structural analysis of any bridges along the route may be required.

Time-of-day restrictions are in effect within the City of Pound. Oversize loads are generally prohibited from traveling through the downtown area (Main Street) between the hours of 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, to avoid peak traffic congestion.

Seasonal weight restrictions may be imposed on certain roads during the spring thaw (typically March and April) to prevent damage to the road surface. Check with the Public Works Department for current restrictions.

Certain residential neighborhoods and narrow streets within Pound are strictly off-limits to oversize loads. The permit will specify the approved route and any restricted areas. Pay close attention to signage along the route.

The base permit fee for an oversize load permit from the City of Pound is $50. This fee covers the administrative costs of processing the application and reviewing the route plan.

Additional fees may be assessed based on the size and weight of the load, as well as the complexity of the route. For example, loads requiring a police escort will incur additional fees to cover the cost of the escort service. Fees may also be assessed if a structural analysis of bridges is required.