U.S. Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg, D-N.J., today reintroduced legislation designed to keep bigger, heavier trucks off all highways.
S. 876, the “Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act of 2013,” would apply existing federal truck size and weight limits — a maximum of length of 53 feet with a weight of 80,000 pounds — to the entire National Highway System. Currently, these restrictions only apply to interstate highways.
“When super-sized tractor-trailers are on the road, they are a threat to drivers and the integrity of our highways and bridges,” Lautenberg said. “Closing the loophole that keeps these long, overweight trucks on our National Highway System will protect families and preserve our nation’s infrastructure.”
The bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Robert Menendez, D-N.J.; Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.; and Claire McCaskill, D-Mo. Companion legislation is sponsored in the House by Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass.