Pilot programs for heavier-weight trucks in two states are included in the 2010 transportation bill. Maine and Vermont will conduct the programs, allowing trucks to carry more weight on their Interstate highways, once the bill is signed by President Barack Obama.
Currently, trucks over 80,000 pounds in Maine must leave I-95 in Augusta to use secondary roadways. Vermont has similar requirements.
The Consolidated Appropriations Conference report for fiscal year 2010 won approval from the U.S. Senate on Dec. 13. Six funding bills are covered under the $446.8 billion legislation, including Veteran’s Affairs and Housing and Urban Development.
Source: Etrucker.com: Transportation bill adds heavy trucks. Jill Dunn.
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I don’t understand why we are wanting to INCREASE the weights of trucks. The current roads are designed to handle up to 80,000lbs but look at how horrible the roads are — they aren’t taken care of. What will happen when we add more weight? Will the states take better care of the roads?? The states are already complaining that there isn’t money in the budget to fix the roads ….. so what will happen when we add more weight and destroy the roads even quicker???
We’ll have to increase our already increasingly increased following distance. Obama wants to throw a bone to the trucking industry yet his economical policies are ruining the economy and slowing freight. Thus, less trucking work available. Not to mention the federal funding companies are getting and abusing; hiring and firing to get the money. What a mess.