Wisc. Governor Signs Higher Weight Law
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Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle signed a bill allowing trucks hauling raw forest and other agricultural products to haul heavier loads all year long, the Associated Press reported.
In a worst-case scenario, the Department of Transportation warned in a report in January the costs to replace or upgrade state and county-owned bridges would reach $2.15 billion over time, according to AP.
Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle signed a bill allowing trucks hauling raw forest and other agricultural products to haul heavier loads all year long, the Associated Press reported.
Doyle signed the bill earlier this week, that allows trucks weigh 98,000 pounds if they are carrying raw forest products like logs as well as fruits and vegetables. Current state law limits such trucks to 98,000 during four months, buts caps them at 90,000 for the remainder of the year.
upporters of the measure said it would help loggers trim transportation costs and keep jobs in the state, AP reported.
However, opponents warned the heavier trucks will require major construction costs for roads and bridges and cause more accidents because they break and accelerate slower, AP said.
