CABT: Nation's bridges at risk if Congress allows bigger trucks on U.S. highways

The Coalition Against Bigger Trucks (CABT) has updated an earlier study that examines the potential damage to the nation's local bridges if congressional proposals to allow heavier tractor trailers on highways are enacted.

Updating its 2023 report, the CABT's new findings show the likely impact of proposed legislation to increase truck weights from the current limit of 80,000 pounds to 91,000 pounds or more by evaluating local bridges off the National Highway System. Conducted in coordination with country infrastructure experts, the study reviews the most current available data about the physical condition of the nation’s bridges and bridge replacement costs, CABT officials said in a press release.

The report states that, depending on heavier truck configurations, 65,157 and 82,457 local bridges nationwide would be at risk of damage if Congress allows heavier trucks on the nation’s highways. The cost of replacing those bridges would range from $70.5 billion to $98.5 billion, depending on the gross vehicle weight, the report finds.

In 2023, the estimated cost range to replace those bridges was $54.6 billion to $78.4 billion. The increase is primarily due to the rising costs of bridge replacements, CABT officials said.

States with the highest potential replacement costs include Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia and Washington.

The Association of American Railroads and other rail industry stakeholders have long opposed federal legislation that would allow larger or heavier trucks than current regulations allow to operate on U.S. highways.