The provision would allow trucks weighing more than 80,000 pounds to remain on I-95 north of Augusta, instead of being forced onto secondary roads.

A measure that would exempt Maine's highways from a federal 80,000 pound weight limit on trucks is a step closer to enactment. A congressional committee yesterday gave final approval to a provision to create a one-year pilot project that would allow the change to be tested. The measure now goes to the full House and Senate for votes.

Maine's congressional delegation has been working to change the law, which forces northbound trucks weighing more than 80,000 pounds to leave Interstate 95 in Augusta. As a result, heavy trucks traveling I-95 to Houlton are forced onto smaller, secondary roads that pass through cities, towns, and villages, creating safety concerns, says Sen. Susan Collins, who introduced the provision in the Senate. 

"I am delighted that I was able to convince my colleagues on the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to allow this pilot project to move forward," Collins says in a statement. "I hope that both the House and Senate will give final approval to this bill as quickly as possible and it will be signed by the President."

On the House side, Maine 2nd District Congressman Mike Michaud has been pushing for the change, which would limit trucks on Maine highways to 100,000 pounds. "This pilot program is a good first step in addressing this issue permanently," Michaud says in a statement. "I will continue to work with the delegation and my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to arrive at a more permanent solution to our state's truck weight mismatch.  Maine deserves a permanent solution to this issue so that we can improve road safety, increase productivity and remain economically competitive with our neighbors."