Commercial Truck Highway Safety Demonstration Program Act of 2005

This bill proposes a pilot program in Maine to evaluate the safety impacts of allowing heavier commercial trucks on the state’s Interstate highways. Specifically, it would permit trucks weighing over 80,000 pounds to use the Interstate System, provided they meet certain axle requirements and comply with existing Maine state weight laws.

For residents and motorists, the program aims to determine if shifting heavy truck traffic from smaller secondary roads to the more robust Interstate highway system improves overall road safety and reduces wear on local infrastructure. To ensure oversight, the state would be required to form a safety committee and collect data on how these weight changes affect traffic accidents and road conditions.