Idaho Lawmakers Approve Increased Truck Weight on 35 State Highways

Idaho lawmakers Monday gave final approval of a bill that would allow 129,000-pound truck loads on 35 designated state highways.

The bill is expected to be signed by Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter.

The measure was introduced this year after a 10-year pilot program run by the state Transportation Department determined that 129,000-pound loads did not harm bridges, pavement or roadbeds.

The 129,000-pound limit, however, would not apply to the interstate highways running through Idaho. A 1991 federal law froze the interstate weight there at 105,000 pounds.

Idaho trucking leaders have said they will pursue federal legislation that would allow heavier truck weight on the interstates.