Analysis of the Routing Stage for an Oversize Vehicle in Poland from the Traffic Safety Viewpoint Igor BETKIER Military University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland igor.betkier@wat.edu.pl Abstract The article discusses the routing stage for an oversize vehicle as a component of the process of planning the carriage of oversized cargo. As part of this concept, based on the analysis of Polish and foreign literature as well as normative documents, the main factors determining the route were presented in a synthetic way: vehicle parameters, maximum single axle weight, gross vehicle weight and atmospheric conditions. Their multitude generates a negative impact on both the infrastructure and other traffic participants, and any negligence in the area of their analysis may have fatal consequences. The author aimed at determining the requirements set by planners, as well as confronting the needs of the oversize transport market with both Polish and EU regulations being currently in force. In addition, the article cites actual examples covering elements of infrastructure that do not meet technical requirements, requirements of traffic participants as well as legal aspects. Keywords: Oversize Transport, Traffic Safety, Route Planning Introduction Along with the economic growth and development of the industrial sector, and consequently the sectors encompassing mining, energy generation, construction and metallurgy, the demand for special transport services necessitated by cargo dimensions has increased. Thus, oversize transport was born, strictly correlated with the implementation of large public investments. The transport market for oversize cargo enforces an individual approach to each order, appropriate logistic preparation, obtaining appropriate permits and the use of specialised equipment, including both the vehicle fleet and transhipment machinery. On the other hand, these orders also require specialised staff possessing proficient analytical skills. Transported cargo may reach dimensions requiring complete closure of some road sections, conducting detailed expertise, rebuilding infrastructure elements as well as detailed planning which sometimes might even last from a few to several months. These aspects cause the oversize transport to be termed an “elite” one. Planning oversize transport is a multi-stage process and a tedious one at the same time, considering the degree of impact on the infrastructure and other traffic participants. Its duration generates costs which are associated with administrative activities, specialised equipment, a significant amount of work from the persons involved and interference with the existing road infrastructure. The requirements set for the modern oversize transport enforce, among others, continuous updating of data on traffic incidents and the state of infrastructure. In the report by Polish Central Statistical Office (2017), the amount of transported cargo significantly increases year by year, which, taking into account the increase in the number of traffic participants and the lower road capacity, further complicates implementation of travel. The purpose of the article is to analyse the routing stage for an oversize vehicle along with an indication of the key components which are necessary to be included in the planning process. The research problems were defined in the form of questions: 1) What aspects does the stage of oversize vehicle routing include? 2) How should specific components be considered so that the planned route will guarantee safety during the execution of a transport task? Education Excellence and Innovation Management: A 2025 Vision to Sustain Economic Development during Global Challenges 10545