Wisconsin Legislature Considers Increasing the Number of “Heavy” Forest Products Truck Routes

Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) is reporting that Wisconsin lawmakers are considering new legislation that would increase the weight forest-products trucks can carry on additional routes near the Michigan-Wisconsin border. Supporters say the move would save both time and money by reducing the number of trucks needed to move forest products in close proximity to the border.

Under current Wisconsin law, a vehicle largely cannot exceed certain size, weight and load requirements unless authorized by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Under normal circumstances, the Wisconsin DOT limits trucks to carrying 80,000 pounds, but state transportation officials can grant so-called “Michigan border permits” for overweight vehicles to transport loads within 11 miles of the Wisconsin-Michigan border and other designated routes. Under those permits, trucks are allowed to abide by Michigan’s maximum weight limit of 164,000 pounds, more than twice the normal Wisconsin limit.

The new legislation proposes that the Wisconsin DOT add 10 additional new routes. The legislation is at the behest of various timber groups who noted that rail service in the area has steadily declined since the local short line, the Wisconsin Central Transportation Co., was purchased by Canadian National Railway Co. in 2001, Leaving no alternative but to ship via truck.

There is some concern about how the increased weight will impact the roads. Timber industry officials said they have worked with engineers at the Wisconsin DOT to ensure the roads were suitable to handle trucks carrying heavier loads. Additional axles and tires will be required on those trucks to spread the weight more evenly across the load and the roads.