Idaho Gives 53-Footers Wider Access

July 5, 2000 10:40 AM, EDT

The Idaho Department of Transportation Board voted to add nearly 30 more state highways to the list of roads that trucks pulling 53-foot trailers may travel without a special permit.

The June 23 vote came as a result of a bill signed by Gov. Kempthorne in April. The legislation gave the state DOT the opportunity to add to the network of roads designated for unfettered passage of 53s.

The state uses a color-coded map to alert truckers to which roads they may travel with 53-footers without a permit, on which permits are required and which roads are off limits.

Previously, main state highways and Interstates were the only roads open to such trailers without a permit. The transportation department added routes that serve regional and local points or complete a network loop. However, the center of U.S. 95, the only north-south connection within the state, is still not part of this system.

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