House Oks 3-Year Test Of Heavier Trucks

There was no debate as the House gave final legislative approval to Gov. Phil Batt’s plan establishing a pilot project for allowing heavier trucks on Idaho highways.

The 50-19 vote Wednesday sent Batt the bill he and his allies had to fight to pass in the Senate last week - over the opposition of railroad interests and others who feared it would make the roads unsafe.

The bill sets up a three-year test of 129,000-pound trucks on specified roads in southern and southeastern Idaho.

It also lowers truck speed limits on Idaho interstate highways from 75 mph to 65 mph.

But opponents warned that the ultimate goal was heavier trucks on all Idaho highways. And advocates concede they want to add Idaho’s voice to those of other states in pressuring Congress to increase weights on the interstates.

The House had no trouble with a Senate amendment stripping from the bill a provision that would raise the weight limit on all Idaho roads not included in the pilot project if Congress takes that action.