ITD issues proposed shipping rules for oversized loads on state routes

The Idaho Transportation Department has issued a series of proposed rules outlining how shippers and other parties can request truck route designations for oversized loads weighing as much as 129,000 pounds.

Several major companies and industry groups lobbied lawmakers this year to make room for the big rigs, Idaho Forest Group, Clearwater Paper and Potlatch.

Supporters said the move would help reduce transportation costs and keep Idaho competitive with surrounding states. They also cited a 10-year pilot project involving 35 routes in southern Idaho that found no significant effect from the heavy loads on roads, bridges or public safety.

Although a number of local governments and trucking industry groups opposed the measure on safety grounds, lawmakers ultimately approved a bill that lets the transportation department and local highway districts designate routes for trucks weighing between 105,500 and 129,000 pounds.

The agency is now accepting public comment on proposed rules that outline how shippers can request an oversized route designation. The rules apply specifically to state highways; for local roads, the process is left to the local highway districts that have jurisdiction over them.

On state routes, the process would include an analysis by the transportation department's technical staff and review by the ITD Board. If the board agrees with the request, a hearing would be scheduled in the district where the highway is located. The agency would then make a determination and a preliminary order would be issued.

The rules also clarify that oversize permits become invalid when travel conditions become hazardous, including ice, snow, frost or when visibility drops below 500 feet.

The public comment period ends Oct. 24. The transportation department also plans to hold several public hearings on the issue, including one at the Red Lion Hotel in Lewiston from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 9.

Links to the proposed rules can be found on the ITD's website, at itd.idaho.gov/dmv/cvs/129k/