In order to properly operate a crane in NYC an applicant must obtain a crane travel permit from NYC Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Truck Unit and a street permit from DOT’s OCMC Office.

There are two types of crane travel permits issued by the Truck Unit: yearly self-propelled crane permits (annual permits) and over dimensional vehicle permits (ODV permits).

Annual Permits:

• Maximum weight limit is 105,600 lbs. with 4 axles spaced less than 10 feet apart.

ODV Permits:

• For all cranes (that do not have annual permits or operate with a weight in excess of the weight permitted by the annual permit) – requires permit application with proposed route map.

The Liebherr 1500 and the Demag AC 500-1 are required for many large projects; however, the Department of Transportation will not allow these cranes to be transported over its bridges.

• DOT engineers will approve, on a single-trip basis, a move over the Manhattan Bridge on the condition that the boom be removed and transported on a second vehicle.
  
  
• Crane companies must agree to keep that crane in Manhattan while performing all required maintenance and recalibration.  Crane companies must also work to coordinate their jobs, so the use of the crane is maximized before returning over the Manhattan Bridge to its storage location.
  
  
  • DOT OCMC is attempting to locate on-street locations where the crane can be delivered and the boom can be reconnected.  It is also trying to identify areas where the crane, fully assembled, can be stored temporarily while the crane company awaits the next project.

The Tri Borough Transportation Authority (TBTA) has not allowed certain cranes to cross its bridges and the crane companies feel that crane that have been permitted have been subject to onerous stipulations.

• TBTA sets its own requirements – not the NYC Transportation Department
  
  
• DOT has reached out to TBTA to consider allowing heavier cranes over the RFK Bridge.  The MTA will allow five-axle cranes with axle spacing less than 10 feet, up to 132,000 lbs. to cross the RFK Bridge.  They are currently performing an analysis for heavier cranes.