US highway 550 in New Mexico.

i don't think they would have a weigh station on that road if it wasn't legal for trucks.

and there's local tanks that haul from that road. and i think there's even a pit that double bellies haul out of.

 

There's no question that its legal for trucks. Its whether its legal for a 53' trailer since the state regs only go to 48'. My guess is since it is a US highway and not a NM highway, that the NM DOT is allowing 53' trailers to use the highway without expressly permitting them. The same may apply to US70 through Ruidoso, US62/180 to Carlsbad, etc. It may be a case of the legislation simply not keeping up with the times, since 53' trailers are industry standard now and the DOT is choosing not to enforce an antiquated regulation since you will see 53' trailers even on non STAA marked state routes.

 

as a frequent flyer of that road. there's absolutely no signs of any kind on any stretch of that road that has any kind of restrictions.

so there's nothing for the cops to enforce.

 

I travel that route just to stop at the casino, never seen any restrictions on it.

 

i didn't know there was any truck parking at that casino. or if it's even open. LOL.

i've yet to see any cars there.

 

The skinny red line roads in the Rand Macnally atlas are the only roads that you have a permit to run a 53 ft trailer on in New Mexico, i think.

 

Anyone know a good route from Albuquerque to Phoenix without having to go all the way to flagstaff and down?

 

The fastest way is flagstaff. The other routes have you going up and down quite a bit. And some winding roads. Miles will be shorter but hours will not. Roughly 4 to 6 hours longer depending on your horsepower.

The shortest route. is most often times the longest.

Missoula to boise is another fine example.
The short way is 5 hours longer. And all mountains. Vs. The Pocatello route.

 

Almost as if the road planners knew how to plan roadways to make the traveling better..