Wisconsin truck size and weight study

Abstract

The Wisconsin 2007 Assembly Bill 238 requires the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to conduct a comprehensive study to review the system of motor vehicle weight limits on Wisconsin's highways and bridges. Laws regarding allowable weight limits, lengths, and widths of commercial motor vehicles are designed to ensure safe vehicle operation on Wisconsin's roadways and to preserve the state's investment in highway and bridge infrastructure. Federal laws govern limits on the Interstates and other selected state highways. Truck size and weight (TS&W) laws affect the cost of transportation for Wisconsin's freight shippers and carriers. At the same time, studies have documented the impacts of heavily loaded and overloaded trucks on pavement surfaces and bridge structures. In light of changing patterns of economic growth and logistics, continued increases in truck traffic, and numerous requests for changes to laws, it has become apparent that a comprehensive review of Wisconsin's state TS&W laws is needed.