DOTHAN, Ala. — A potential new law in Alabama’s statehouse is sparking concerns among local officials in the Wiregrass region, as it could lead to heavier semi trucks traveling on state roads. The proposed legislation would increase the weight limits on tandem axles, a move that some believe could cause costly damage to local infrastructure.
Currently, under Alabama state law, vehicles with a single axle cannot exceed 20,000 pounds, and tandem axles, spaced more than 40 inches and no more than 96 inches apart, are limited to 34,000 pounds. However, the proposed bill would raise the weight limit for tandem axles from 34,000 pounds to 46,000 pounds, allowing trucks to carry heavier loads.
County officials in the Wiregrass region have voiced concerns that this change could lead to significant damage to roads, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure is more vulnerable to wear and tear. Some have pointed to an incident from several years ago when a single truck, traveling through the area, caused noticeable damage to roadways, further fueling their worries.
“It’s going to put a lot of pressure on our already aging roads,” said one county official. “These roads weren’t designed to handle that kind of weight, and repairing them would be expensive for local governments.”
At present, the bill is still in committee and has not yet been passed. If it does make it through the legislative process, the proposed changes would not go into effect until October, providing truck operators time to adjust to the new weight limits.
While supporters of the bill argue that it could benefit the transportation industry by allowing for more efficient delivery of goods, local officials remain cautious. The long-term cost of road repairs and the potential disruption to daily life for residents in the area are major concerns for those who oppose the bill.
As the legislative process continues, all eyes will remain on how this potential change could reshape the transportation landscape in Alabama and its impact on local communities.
