The Idaho Transportation Department is hosting a virtual public hearing to collect comments on a proposal to reclassify several highways in Latah County as legal for commercial loads weighing up to 129,000 pounds.
In the application submitted to ITD, Bennett Lumber Products requested reclassification of the following routes due to the discontinuation of service on the Washington, Idaho & Montana Railway:
- Idaho Highway 6 from the US-95 junction to Harvard
- Idaho Highway 9 from Harvard to Deary
- Idaho Highway 8 from Deary to the US-95 junction
These highways are currently rated for commercial loads weighing up to 105,500 pounds. Analysis by ITD subject matter experts found that allowing heavier loads on the specified routes could be accommodated without affecting safety or pavement conditions.
“There are many misconceptions about this type of trucking, so we encourage everyone to spend time on the website,” said Jan Vassar, the Idaho Transportation Board Member representing North Central Idaho. “Comments will help the board make a decision.”
The application, analysis by ITD and FAQs about 129,000-pound loads are available at itd.idaho.gov/freight. Comments are being sought until December 21 and can be submitted in the following ways:
- via idaho.gov/freight
- by emailing officeofthechiefengineer@itd.idaho.gov
- mailed to P.O. Box 7129, Boise, Idaho 83707 to the attention of Scott Luekenga
- recorded by calling (855) 785-2499
Commenters can also call ITD Freight Program Manager Scott Luekenga at (208) 334-8057 with questions.
The department is required to conduct an analysis and public hearing on all requests to operate 129,000-pound loads on the state highway system before the Idaho Transportation Board makes a final decision. The board could make a decision as early as January after reviewing comments.