A front-page article by Brian Walker on March 6 caught my attention. It seems the trucking industry has requested weight limit increase from 105,000 to 129,000 pounds, nearly 12 additional tons for the 167-mile route on U.S. 95 from Canada to Latah County.

The reasoning is there would be fewer trips required thus reducing the number of trucks through Coeur d’Alene. In fact, the reverse is probably true as the heavier 129,000-pound load is already allowed on I-90, but those trucks must by-pass U.S. 95. We don’t really know how many more trucks would use U.S. 95 if the increase were allowed, which could be as soon as this spring, but it is probably substantial.

There are numerous upgrades already planned to U.S. 95 north of I-90 during the next two years which will cut off access to some streets, remove some stop lights and add more stoplights to help with the Coeur d’Alene congestion. With the planned developments off Lancaster and Appleway adding to the congestion along with other growth in the area, allowing an unknown number of slower trucks mixed in with local traffic and tourist RVs doesn’t sound like a good idea.

This proposal is a no win for Coeur d’Alene. Very few local businesses would benefit, it will add additional traffic to an already congested route, the weight fees would never offset the wear and tear to the roads, and part of the route is hilly two-lane highway with no left-turn lanes and few passing lanes.

Comments on the planned weight increase can be sent to: adam.rush@itd.idaho.gov or mailed to Adam Rush, Idaho Transportation Department, 3311 W. State St., Boise, ID 83703 before March 30. If you use U.S. 95, seems like a couple of minutes to send an email before the end of the month would be worth your time.

RICH WALKER

Coeur d’Alene