Idaho adopts 129,000-pound truck weight limit

On July 1, Idaho will permanently adopt a pilot project allowing 129,000 pound trucks on some roads and will consider permitting these trucks on additional roadways.

This month, Gov. Butch Otter signed a measure that will continue allowing trucks weighing up to 129,000 on 35 Southern Idaho roads. The state transportation department concluded the higher weights did not significantly impact roads and trucking companies said it saved costs.

The Republican governor also signed a separate bill that would allow these trucks on additional state roads. The state transportation and police departments must draft criteria to assess suitability of any stretch of road nominated for consideration. Additionally, nominated roads will be subject to “include timely, well noticed public hearings and notification of adjacent property owners.”