Comments solicited on 129,000-pound truck rules

The public is invited to comment on administrative rules that will govern the addition of highway routes for semi trucks and trailers that weigh up to 129,000 pounds. ITD will conduct meetings throughout the state to gather public input.

The rules are necessary to implement three bills approved by the 2013 Legislature.

That legislation follows a pilot project that began in 1998 and recently concluded. The project allowed trucks and their cargo weighing a total of 129,000 pounds to use 35 test routes in Idaho to determine the impact they would have on highways, bridges and highway safety. Results of the pilot project indicated there were not significant effects on the transportation system.

  • Senate Bill 1064 made the test routes permanent, effective July 1.
  • Senate Bill 1117 allows additional routes to be designated by ITD and by local highway agencies.
  • House Bill 322 clarifies the intent of the legislation.

Comments will be accepted through Thursday, Oct. 24, at 5 p.m., on four administrative rules. Among them is Administrative Rule 39.03.22-1302, which implements the provisions of SB1117 and adds the process for authorizing additional routes for the heaver truck-trailer combinations.

Administrative rules ensure a state agency’s procedures are consistent with legislation. Administrative rules are used to implement changes to statutes and govern areas such as the type of permit required.

The following public meetings are scheduled in October:

  • Pocatello: The Red Lion Hotel, 1555 Pocatello Creek Road, , Monday, Oct. 7, 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
  • Idaho Falls: The Shilo Inn Suites, 780 Lindsay Blvd., Monday, Oct. 7, 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
  • Coeur d’Alene: The Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn, 506 W. Appleway Ave., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
  • Lewiston: The Red Lion Hotel, 621 21st St., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
  • Twin Falls: The Best Western Plus Twin Falls Hotel, 1377 Blue Lakes Blvd., Wednesday, Oct. 16, 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
  • Boise: The Red Lion Hotel, 1800 Fairview Ave., on Thursday, Oct. 17, 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

Comments or questions on the rules can be emailed to comments@itd.idaho.gov or by mail to: Adam Rush, Idaho Transportation Department, Office of Communications, P.O. Box 7129, Boise, ID  83707-1129.

Additional information about 129,000-pound trucks and the proposed rules can be found at: itd.idaho.gov.

Published 8-9-13