Semitrucks run roughshod on our bridges. Tell Congress not to let them get heavier | Opinion

Renewed efforts in Congress to allow bigger and heavier tractor trailers on the nation’s roadways would cause major damage to as many as 82,457 bridges nationwide, costing taxpayers upward of $98.6 billion, according to a new analysis.

The report by the national 501(c)(4) nonprofit Coalition Against Bigger Trucks found that the states with the highest potential bridge replacement costs include Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia and Washington.

The report examined three scenarios in which Congress increases the current federal truck weight limit of 80,000 pounds. One analyzed the impact on bridges of allowing trucks up to 88,000 pounds, another up to 91,000 pounds and another as much as 97,000 pounds.

Proponents introduced these proposals in previous sessions of Congress, but the bills did not advance. However, lawmakers are already reintroducing them in the current congressional session, where they could gain traction. The weight limit is under constant attack from large business interests, whose leaders believe that greater weight limits would lower their shipping costs and increase profits.

While corporate coffers might grow with longer and heavier trucks on the roads, it would come at the expense of local governments including states, cities and counties. That’s because heavier trucks impact the structural integrity and lifespan of bridges. These extra costs ultimately would fall on taxpayers, creating an unfunded federal mandate, while bringing serious safety concerns to local roads and bridges.

The report demonstrates that should Congress increase the weight limit of trucks to 88,000 pounds, 65,157 local bridges would be at risk, costing $70.6 billion to replace. If Congress approves a limit of 91,000 pounds, the number of bridges at risk jumps to 68,654 with a replacement cost of $78.7 billion. And should Congress approve even larger trucks weighing 97,000 pounds, 82,457 bridges would be put at risk, costing $98.6 billion to replace.

Compared to CABT’s earlier study two years ago, the analysis identified a cost increase of $16 billion to $20 billion because of rising construction costs.

The National Association of Counties and National Association of County Engineers said in the foreword to the analysis that it “heightens our concerns and reaffirms what our officials already know — local bridges are put at risk by heavier trucks and the cost to repair and replace these bridges continues to rise.”

The groups added: “As Congress begins its work to reauthorize the surface transportation bill, this research should be viewed as an important source for policymakers to utilize when considering legislation to increase truck weights.”

Some lawmakers are regularly going to bat for businesses that push bigger trucks. Past proposals that came before Congress included a 91,000-pound pilot project allowing states to authorize heavier — and more dangerous — trucks on roadways for up to 10 years, turning interstates into test tracks and motorists into guinea pigs. Another bill would raise the weight limit to 88,000 pounds for automobile transporters. And still another would give governors sweeping, new powers to relax truck weight limits.

Lawmakers recently introduced bills in the House (H.R. 2166) and Senate (S. 1063) that would dramatically expand where heavier log trucks can operate on interstates. In February, House lawmakers introduced another bill that would increase the maximum allowable weight to 90,000 pounds for trucks carrying agricultural and forestry products on Virginia’s interstate roads.

County engineers across the nation work daily to ensure safe roads and bridges for residents. As part of that mission, they raise the alarm when threats emerge to public safety. This is one such time.

The new bridge report should serve to put the brakes on any proposals under consideration to allow bigger trucks. The consequences for local governments and taxpayers, both in safety and resources, are a cost none of us can afford.

This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 8:08 AM with the headline "Semitrucks run roughshod on our bridges. Tell Congress not to let them get heavier | Opinion."