Heavier trucks proposed for CdA north

Bigger, heavier trucks could be traveling on U.S. Highway 95 and several other North Idaho highways in the future.

Idaho Forest Group wants to ship lumber in larger loads to Home Depot’s Salt Lake City warehouse from its three sawmills at Chilco, Moyie Springs and Laclede. The home-improvement chain is one of the company’s largest clients. Shipping heavier loads would reduce the number of trucks on the road by about 20 percent without sacrificing safety or tearing up the roads, said Bob Boeh, Idaho Forest Group’s vice president of public affairs.

The trucks would weigh about 129,000 pounds compared to the current limit of 105,500 pounds, company officials wrote in an application to the state Transportation Department. The heavier trucks also would be slightly longer than current configurations, 98 feet versus 96 feet.

At a workshop next week, local officials will get a chance to ask questions about the proposal, which would require state approval to take effect.

“We’re all in favor of helping our local businesses, but we have some concerns,” said Dan Dinning, a Boundary County commissioner. “When they’re looking at allowing longer, heavier vehicles on the highway, we also need to look at public safety issues”/Becky Kramer, SR. More here (subscription).