New transportation bill creates safety concerns over bigger rigs

[alp227]

Could tractor-trailer rigs almost as long as Boeing 737s be driving on a highway near you? If a new transportation bill proposed by House Republicans passes, the answer is yes, and the safety ramifications would be astronomical, say congressional opponents of the bill and the AAA Auto Club.

The American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act introduced Tuesday by Republicans would authorize about $260 billion over five years to fund federal highway programs.

The legislation also contains a controversial provision allowing heavier tractor-trailer trucks on highways by increasing the federal weight limit from 80,000 pounds to 97,000 pounds. In some cases, it would allow 126,000-pound trucks onto highways.

The legislation also allows the largest rigs, which comprise two and sometimes three trailers, to be as much as 10 feet longer -- a total length of more than 100 feet.

full: http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/01/travel/big-trucks/index.html

[Ikonoklast]

1. There already are longer combination vehicles allowed on certain roads, usually toll roads.

I was permitted by the State of Ohio Turnpike Commission, and the Indiana Toll Road Authority to drive a combination vehicle of 112' in length, and grossing 127,400 lbs.

It consisted of a tractor, two 48' trailers and a convertor dolly.

NY, OH, IN, OK, KS, and TX allow longer combination vehicles already, just off the top of my head.

[donco]

2. There goes the rest of the Interstate highways.

Their patching patches now, mostly because of the 80,000-pound weight limit. Might as well travel on gravel roads.

[cstanleytech]

3. I am confused.

Are we supposed to oppose the bill unless the measure is removed or does the weight increase really matter when you consider the current state of our highway system and how much more it will deteriorate if nothing is done?

[Lasher]

4. Weight limit for coal trucks in my area is 120,000 lbs. plus 5% tolerance.

They avoid the Interstate when hauling their loads, then take the Interstate on the way back. Roads often look like a war zone.

[Citizen Worker]

5. The GVW for trucks was increased from 80,000 lbs., to 105,500 lbs following the passage of NAFTA.

The poster needs to do some fact checking.