Despite opposition from Upson County and City of Thomaston officials, the Georgia House of Representatives recently passed legislation increasing weight limits for all five-axle commercial trucks hauling industry products ranging from live poultry to forestry and solid waste.
HB 189 passed by a 93-81 vote, with three not voting and three excused, increasing the weight limit from 80,000 to 90,000 pounds. The Association County Commissioners of Georgia opposed the bill, calling it “detrimental to local infrastructure.”
According to ACCG, the bill will double the number of load restricted, posted bridges in Georgia, resulting in an estimated net increase of 1,408 bridges impacted. The proposed 12.5 percent weight increase will increase damage done by these heavy trucks by 60 percent and decrease pavement life by 40 percent.
Upson County Manager Jason Tinsley testified before House members prior to the vote.
“After the voters approved a local TSPLOST in 2019, Upson County leadership began making a meaningful impact on upgrading our local transportation infrastructure,” Tinsley said. “The passage of this legislation will represent a major setback to those efforts in the coming years.”
Weight increases will shorten life cycles of roads and bridges, costing taxpayers more money to maintain and repair infrastructure, and will pose dangerous driving conditions for all travelers, according to officials.
County and city governments reportedly own and maintain over 80 percent of the roads in Georgia, with counties responsible for maintaining approximately 8,000 bridge structures. Most county roadways have a maximum 56,000-pound design standard.
•A weight increase of 10 percent will increase the damage done by heavier trucks by 46 percent, shortening pavement life by nearly one-third.
•The federal Department of Transportation weight limit is 80,000 pounds, meaning heavier trucks are not allowed on interstates, but are restricted to local roads and state routes.
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