DOT 53-15
Friday, June 5, 2015

News Digest

The U.S. Department of Transportation released today a series of technical reports on truck size and weight for peer review and public comment as a major step moving toward the completion of the comprehensive study called for in the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). Specifically, MAP-21 directed the Department to study the issues associated with trucks operating within and in excess of current size and weight limits and assess the impacts on safety, pavement and bridge deterioration, enforcement, and shifts to other modes of transport such as rail. The five technical reports released today cover the study areas. While pointing to significant data limitations to complete a comprehensive study, the technical reports provide an opportunity for experts in the field to comment in anticipation of the final report to Congress. Importantly, the Department finds that the data limitations are so profound that no changes in the relevant laws and regulations should be considered until these limitations are overcome. The Department will meet with an independent peer review team managed by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and seek public comment as it works to develop the Final Report to Congress. Contact: Nancy Singer: (202) 366-0660.

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