Propane restrictions in tunnels and U-S bridges.

[Gilles]

Does someone can inform me, to know where to find information for the various US states on places to avoid driving with propane containers, as some bridges and tunels.
Here in Quebec, I know that we have the right to pass through a tunnel with a maximum of 90 pounds of propane ...

Merci,

[Jim Bennett]

Gilles, I have never ran into a place where you are not allowed to transport propane in tunnels, just so long as the valves are closed. I have seen a few where they insist the propane be turned off, and I am good with that.

Be interesting to hear what others might add though.

[Jon in AZ]

Such restrictions do exist. I know, for example, that the I-95 tunnel under the Baltimore harbor does not allow propane. It's not a big deal- there are plenty of signs directing motorists carrying propane to an alternate route (the Francis Scott Key Bridge). But I don't know the best place to research such restrictions. I'm wondering if GPS systems have the ability to flag them along your intended route.

[librarianocnj]

Going down the USA East Coast There are some in Baltimore Maryland. On the 95 and 895 tunnels under Baltimore harbor you may not transport more than 10 pound container of propane. You have to use the Francis Scott Key Bridge instead.

[Darwin Maring]

Norfolk VA, VA Beach area on the way to Outter Banks, you have to stop at an inspection station and they check to insure the tanks are turned off, they document and let you proceed.

[librarianocnj]

And Darwins post brings us back to Gilles question. When I was going through Norfork I did not realize there was tunnels and the check propane sign is only about 50 foot from the area where you're supposed to stop. I was in the tunnel before my brain even registered a sign. You can see that there's no way to get over if you're in the center lane.

It would be nice to have a resource that let you see propane restrictions ahead of time. This would be a valuable resource to add to the Allstays App. Maybe some emails are in order.

[librarianocnj]

I got an answer back from Adam at Allstays.

Hi Gordon, that is a long term goal I have had. It just is hard to
find good info as even the states often don't have much of a clue.
Just listing tunnels might be the closest I can get because states
might just say not in any tunnels or it could vary for a certain one
but not be signed.

I do have restricted routes, hazmat, etc in the extra resources, if
you did not know. It is buried a bit off the MORE button or top center
grey bar on iPad. Extra Resources, then each state has a section in
there.

My online Pro will probably have it first as I add stuff there and
then see if it works in the app or can be done. Mapping tunnels or
long routes doesn't work real well with just a pin, but I do it with
the road inclines already.

Thank you
Adam Longfellow
Founder, AllStays LLC
Allstays | Campgrounds | RV Parks
web@allstays.com
505-401-1297

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[WDavidG]

The Boston I-93 tunnels also prohibit propane tanks though I believe that a couple years ago the MDOT regs were modified to exempt propane tanks used to fuel the vehicle. That doesn't of course help us with our RV tanks.

I've read about a truckers' version of GPS units that contains all the various state and local restrictions as to weight, length, hazardous materials (ie by their definition, propane tanks), etc and allows the user to input various stats about the vehicle. It then chooses routes accordingly. In the case of our rigs, it would solve the propane-in-tunnel routing issues as well as avoid certain roads (eg some parkways in NY and Boston) that prohibit trailers. I haven't used one of these GPS units so can't speak from experience. They are likely more pricey but one ticket for being on the wrong road would likely more than offset the premium.

[Uplander]

Gilles, To add to your confusion, wDavidG posts that there are several parkways that prohibit trailers and some lack the proper signage to warn you in advance.
For example the Merrit/Wilbur Cross Parkway in Connecticut has such restrictions and some extremely low overpasses. Many entrances do not have signs posting the restrictions and low overpass warnings. In New York the Taconic State Parkway and a few others should be added to your list. Not sure about the Garden State Parkway in New Jersey...the list keeps growing!

The George Washington Bridge in New York (Interstate 95) only allows propane over on the upper level. Interstate 95 has several bridges and tunnels with restrictions....read all signs if you elect to use that highway between Maine and Florida.

The folks that market GPS devices should include such info.

Good luck in your search.

[honda03842]

Actually the list is not growing, most new roads are fine.

We drive the Garden State every year. The Garden State does not have restrictions for Propane thought he inner and outer lanes can be low for huge fifth wheels. CT's Merritt and NY's Taconic are old roads where height is a problem and RVs are not normally permitted.

The only tunnel I've seen with Propane not permitted is Baltimore's but plenty of alternatives.

We take the Chesapeake bay bridge/tunnels and there's no issue except you have to turn propane off. Some fifth wheels are too tall.

Once below Baltimore I don't know of a single restriction. In the west we've never encountered a restriction.

Boston may have some for it's tunnels but you have to be nearly crazy to drive through Boston with an RV.