A bill proposed by a local lawmaker to help those hauling heavy loads has now become a law while another newly signed law prohibits PennDOT from imposing new tolls on existing bridges.
State Senator Scott Hutchinson’s Act 91 of 2022 addresses current heavy hauling permits that needlessly restrict the number of axles a tractor trailer can use to haul specific amounts of pulpwood or wood chips. This law will officially take effect on September 11th.
In allowing permit holders the option to use equipment with additional axles if the load meets the weight criteria of the permit, haulers will now have more breaking power to improve safety. Wear and tear will also be lessened on road surfaces and bridges.
Hutchinson also co-sponsored Act 84 of 2022 which increases transparency and incorporates public comment into the PennDOT Pathways Major Bridge P3 Initiative. A new checks and balance system will reduce the scope of PennDOT’s ability to institute user fees.