State Panel Approves Higher Truck Weights Plan For Some Highways Awaits Action By Legislature

The Idaho Transportation Board has approved a pilot project that could increase the maximum legal weight of trucks on some state highways from 105,500 pounds to 118,000 pounds.

The Legislature must amend state law to officially begin the project. But for Circle A Construction owner and vice president Steve Aslett, allowing heavier trucks would be a boon for his bulk-hauling business.

“Not only us; suppliers and producers will see cheaper hauling prices as well,” he said.

Based in Twin Falls, Circle A hauls tons of sugar beets every day to Amalgamated Sugar Co.’s Paul plant. And if each truck can haul more, everyone’s costs will go down, Aslett said.

“But it’s not going to be a fast change,” he said. “There’s a lot to it, but it’s a step in the right direction.”

Glenda Fuller, the Idaho Transportation Department’s traffic safety and analysis manager, presented the pilot project for heavier weights to the Transportation Board on Friday. Six routes were identified as roads and bridges that could handle the additional weight on a trial basis.

The project would include U.S. Highway 95 between Grangeville and the Canadian border; Canada to Montana along Idaho Highway 1, U.S. 95 and U.S. 2; Council to Nampa along U.S. 95 and Idaho 55; Nampa to Nevada or Montana along several state and federal Highways; Nevada to Montana along U.S. 93, Idaho 33 and U.S. 20; and Interstate 15 to Wyoming or Utah along as many as four state and federal highways.

Fuller said permitting procedures would have to be developed all along the approved routes if the Legislature approves.

“Local governments will retain their authority,” she said.

The trucking industry has long fought for higher weight limits on highways to increase efficiency and compete with railroads. In recent months, Gov. Phil Batt has indicated his support for the pilot project, in part because of his frustration with Union Pacific Railroad’s service problems.