BRIDGES CANNOT HANDLE COAL TRUCK WEIGHT LIMITS - Non-Coal Haulers Held To Different Standard

(12/10/2004)

Officials say coal truck weights have been down since weight limits were enforced six months ago. At least 125 bridges on designated haul roads cannot handle the maximum 120,000 pound limit, according to the PSC. Meanwhile, there seems to be disparity on how non-coal haulers are being treated in other parts of the state, linked to new lower weight limits being placed on bridges. Non-coal haulers are held to a different standard. A 2003 law allows coal haulers to apply for special permits to carry up to 120,000 pounds on specific roads in 15 coalfield counties. Bigger highways in West Virginia once had weight limits of 80,000 pounds and smaller roads had limits of 65,000 pounds. Improvements are planned for 39 bridges at a cost of $81 million, a report says.

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