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Weight limits on roads lifted during harvest

By Staff | Sep 23, 2011

JOHNSTON, – As combines start hitting the field this week throughout the state, Gov. Terry Branstad signed on Sept. 15, the annual proclamation granting a temporary weight limit exemption for trucks on Iowa roads.

The proclamation specifically increases the weight allowable for shipment of corn, soybeans, hay, straw and stover, by 12.5 percent per axle (up to a maximum of 90,000 pounds) without the need for an oversize/overweight permit.

The Branstad proclamation is an improvement over the past few proclamations, when the previous maximum per-axle limitation was the lesser of 10 percent or 88,000 pounds.

The 2011 proclamation again applies to loads transported on all highways within Iowa, excluding the interstate system.

Trucks cannot exceed their regular maximum by more than 12.5 percent per axle and must obey the posted limits on all roads and bridges.

“We are proud to have the privilege of another weight limit exemption for the 2011 season” said Kevin Ross, a farmer from Minden and president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association. “We understand that the harvest weight proclamation is not a right by law, but a petition to the Governor.

“ICGA requested the proclamation and provided the governor with information on the estimated predictions of another bountiful Iowa crop.”

The proclamation directs the Iowa Department of Transportation to monitor the operation of the proclamation, assure the public’s safety and facilitate the movement of the trucks involved.

“Farmers who are transporting grain are also required to follow their vehicle safety standards on axle weights.

The exemption will be granted for 60 days beginning, today, September 15, 2011.