Northeastern truck weight pilot program closer to reality The 2010 Transportation Appropriations bill already passed by the House of Representatives includes authorizing higher weights on interstate highways in Maine and Vermont for one year. The Senate is now considering the legislation. Currently, 6-axle trucks up to 100,000 pounds are allowed to operate on the turnpike portion of I-95 in Maine. The new language would allow heavier trucks to operate on all Maine interstate routes for up to one year. The bill would also allow trucks operating on interstates in Vermont to obtain a state-issued permit authorizing the operation of trucks up to 90,000 pounds on six axles. Trucks hauling certain commodities can be permitted to operate at up to 99,000 pounds. The legislation requires Vermont to submit a report to Congress which evaluates the effects of the one-year pilot program on highway safety, bridge and road durability, commerce, truck volumes, and energy use.               return