A bill that temporarily increases the weight limit on Vermont’s interstate highways for one year was signed by President Barack Obama yesterday.
Currently, federal law restricts trucks weighing over 80,000-pounds from operating on the interstate system, but portions of the highway in other states have exceptions allowing for heavier vehicles. And Vermont has a state law allowing heavy trucks on secondary roads. That creates situations where trucks exit the interstate and take secondary roads like Routes 2, 5, and 7 that head through small towns.
The provision was authored by Senator Patrick Leahy and it includes a similar pilot program in Maine.
Leahy says the one year pilot program will help determine whether increased weight limits on the highways will ease traffic in residential and commercial areas.