DOT Opens Weekends to Oversize Trucks in Pilot Program

Starting April 1, Connecticut businesses that rely on oversize or overweight trucks to transport their products or equipment will have a lot more flexibility in when they can travel state roads. 

After discussions with a coalition including CBIA, the Motor Transport Association of Connecticut, and the Connecticut Construction Industry Association, the state Department of Transportation (DOT) agreed to a pilot program that will allow permits to be issued for certain oversized trucks to travel between daylight and noon on Saturdays and Sundays through the end of the year.

Trucks must not exceed 12 feet in width; 13 feet, 6 inches in height; 80 feet in length; and 120,000 pounds gross weight on five or more axles.   

Good for Businesses

The pilot is a victory for Connecticut businesses. Currently, oversize trucks may travel through the state between daylight and sunset, Monday through Friday only.  Travel is also prohibited during holidays and up to a half-day before each holiday. 

For manufacturers trying to arrange for deliveries of large products to their customers, months with holidays falling mid-week often results in logistical nightmares. 

<p> Good for Commuters

The program is also a victory for Connecticut commuters. With more days available for large trucks to take to the roads, there will be less overall congestion on any individual day, particularly Monday mornings.

Good for the State

But the biggest victory for this pilot program is for Connecticut itself. If more government agencies follow the DOT’s lead in listening to the business community’s commonsense requests for easing the regulatory burden, then Connecticut will be a better place in which to do business.  

For more information, contact CBIA’s Eric Gjede at 860.244.1931 or eric.gjede@cbia.com.