Funds for highways and roads in Minnesota just don’t seem to keep up with the need.
Just last year, we heard the county thinking about turning a paved road back to gravel just because it couldn’t keep up with the maintenance. Almost 1,500 bridges in Minnesota — including some in this county — are structurally deficient or obsolete.
That’s why a proposal being floated in the halls of the Capitol seems to defy logic. The Minnesota Department of Transportation wants to allow longer trucks and heavier trucks on state roads. In fact, MnDOT wants to increase the limits to such an extent that the trucks
wouldn’t even be allowed on the federal highway system.
The new proposal, which hasn’t made it to the debate floor, would legalize double-trailer trucks weighing up to 108,000 pounds. It also would allow single-tractor trailers up to 97,000 pounds, more than nine tons heavier than what’s currently allowed.
Though a few large trucking firms may stand to gain a great deal by retrofitting trucks, the rest of Minnesota clearly will loose.
First, roads will need maintenance and repair much more quickly than they already do. We have to wonder how perennially underfunded MnDOT expects to replace roads even faster. This seems to be a proposal that would only set it farther and farther behind.
Secondly, this new proposal would push trucks off the Interstate system and on to state roads. However, Interstates are unimpeded and where large truck traffic belongs. Pushing large trucks onto state roads means more two-lane highways, more transporting through the middle of town. Think about Winona and State Highway 43. Think about the already tight turn at the intersection of Main and Sarnia streets. Now, think about that same turn with another trailer.
But, it goes beyond money and convenience. Last year, too many people died on Minnesota roads.
Most importantly, larger trucks mean more stopping distance. Larger trailers mean less control on the road. We can’t help but think of what heavier trucks could mean for Highway 14 around Stockton Hill. Already the road is dangerous because of intersections and geography. Adding heavier trucks is dangerous, irresponsible and serves the interests of a select few.
It’s not a glitzy sounding proposal, nor does the idea seem particularly controversial on its face. However, this seemingly minor change in Minnesota law could end up costing taxpayers more money as they subsidize larger truck firms and lose more lives as Minnesota roads become less safe.
Ehrlick writes on behalf of the Winona Daily News editorial board, which also includes publisher Rusty Cunningham, Jerome Christenson, opinion editor, photo editor James A. Bowey and sales and marketing manager Tom Best. To comment, call 453-3522 or e-mail letters@winonadailynews.com
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