Trucks on State Highways
The News & Observer in Raleigh wrapped up a four-day series today on the damage caused to North Carolina roads by overweight trucks. I'm not a huge fan of multi-day stories, but if you have 30 minutes, I suggest you read this. It's quite enlightening.
If you only have 30 seconds, here's a breakdown: More trucks than ever before are rolling past the North Carolina highway weigh stations, tearing up asphalt in their wake. Highway Patrol isn't taking care of the problem for a variety of reasons, and lawmakers are of little help. In fact, the General Assembly has passed mutiple bills over the past decade making it easier for heavy trucks to not only travel the interstates, but to use secondary roads that can not support these vehicles. Who carries the burden of making repairs? Yup. John Q. Public.
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How would you propose to move groceries, household products and medical supplies? By teleportation?
Posted on May 25, 2005 9:32 PM
My apologies. In my summary, I neglected to mention one of the key elements to this debate. The General Assembly has gradually upped the weight limits on secondary roads, in many places allowing trucks to travel at weights in excess of 80,000 pounds. Congress, which controls the Interstate system, caps weights right at 80,000. Trucks can LEGALLY transport goods along asphalt not meant to carry the loads commonly found these days. I'm not opposed to trucking, nor do I think all trucking laws are necessary. But when the state needs $1 billion a year just to keep pace with road repairs, let alone expand and/or improve its highway network, something isn't right.
Posted on May 26, 2005 12:43 AM