All oversize loads entering the City of Watertown, Carver County, must conform to the requirements set by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

In general, any vehicle over 12 feet 6 inches in width, 14 feet in height, and within the Class 1 overweight category (up to 90,000 lbs) should obtain an oversize load permit from the Watertown Public Works Department.

The City of Watertown requires that all oversize loads be routed through the city in a manner that minimizes disruption to local traffic and avoids damage to city infrastructure, such as the bridges over the Minnesota River.

In Watertown, escort vehicles are required for oversize loads that exceed 16 feet in width or 18 feet in height. Escort vehicles must be equipped with proper signage and lighting as per Minnesota State regulations.

For loads exceeding 20 feet in width or 25 feet in height, a police escort may be required. The Watertown Police Department must be contacted in advance to arrange for an escort, and a fee of $75 per hour will be charged for this service, with a minimum of 2 hours.

To apply for an oversize load permit in Watertown, applicants can visit the Minnesota Department of Transportation's online permit portal or contact the Watertown Public Works Department directly at (952) 955-8581.

Applicants must provide detailed information about the load, including its dimensions, weight, and proposed route through Watertown. A map of the proposed route must also be submitted as part of the application.

Oversize loads are not permitted on local roads during peak traffic hours (7-9 am and 4-6 pm, Monday through Friday) unless prior approval has been obtained from the Watertown Public Works Department.

During periods of heavy rain or snow, oversize loads may be subject to additional restrictions or may be required to wait until conditions improve.

Certain neighborhoods in Watertown, such as those with narrow streets or low-hanging utility wires, may be restricted to oversize loads. Alternative routes must be planned in advance to avoid these areas.

The base fee for an oversize load permit in Watertown is $50. Additional fees are charged based on the size and weight of the load, as well as the complexity of the route.

For example, loads exceeding 100,000 lbs will incur an additional fee of $100, while loads requiring a police escort will be charged the actual cost of the escort service, as previously mentioned.