Maine Lawmakers’ Proposal Would Put Heavier Trucks on I-95

img src="/sites/default/files/images/articles/printeditiontag_new.gif" width=120 align=right>Three members of Maine’s congressional delegation have introduced legislation that would allow heavier trucks to travel on Interstate 95 in order “to enhance safety, lower maintenance costs and promote economic development,” according to Rep. Michael Michaud.

A Democrat, Michaud introduced the bill in the House of Representatives March 6 that would allow trucks over 80,000 pounds to use certain segments of I-95 in Maine during a three-year test of whether allowing heavier trucks on the main highways is safer than restricting them to state and local roads.

The lawmaker said that since the heavier trucks are banned from the interstate system, drivers are forced onto state and local roads, which can present “safety challenges” for small communities.