States ban oversized loads from thruways
BRATTLEBORO, VT- Trucks weighing more than 80,000 pounds will not be able to drive on interstates in Vermont and Maine.
A one-year pilot program that permitted heavier-than-normal trucks on the interstates expired on Dec.17; as a result large trucks are forced to drive through small towns and on secondary highways to get to their destinations.
A bill in support of extending the program failed to pass last month. Supporters of the bill say since the program expired truckers are facing heavy traffic when going through downtowns and state roads.
“The disruption of the program is adding traffic to downtown roads effecting local economies,” Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy says.
According to media reports supporters of the program say truckers were able to reduce their mileage by 10%.
Vermont State Rep. Mollie Burke is also in favor of extending the program. She says the majority of truckers support an extension of the program.
She added that the end of the program will be a blow to warehouse industry in Vermont.
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