On March 23rd, the Georgia Senate approved House Bill 189, allowing trucks carrying forestry and agricultural products to weigh up to 88,000 pounds on state and county roads (twice the current variance). This is despite interstate highways still limiting vehicles to 80,000 pounds. Supporters argue that it would make it easier for businesses to ship during challenging times, while critics fear it could lead to more traffic fatalities and higher road maintenance costs for taxpayers.
Only allowing trucks carrying forestry and agricultural products, the Senate version of this bill also permits local police to enforce weight restrictions on bridges (which was previously only allowed by the state Department of Public Safety). This increase in permissible weight would end in July 2024, giving legislators time to research a permanent solution and figure out how to fund billions of dollars needed to accommodate freight traffic.
Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega) spoke before the Senate, emphasizing the need to have a conversation about funding roads going forward. HB 189 passed the Senate with a vote of 44-5 and is now headed back to the House.
Source
https://www.ttnews.com/articles/georgia-higher-truck-weights
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