Plan to Ease N.J. Truck Restrictions Draws Fire

New Jersey may allow big trucks on a few more miles of currently restricted roadways, but not without controversy.

The state Department of Transportation has announced plans to allow 102-inch-wide trucks to return to stretches of 12 highways in nine counties. The 102-inch-wide trucks common in interstate trucking are currently banned from all but the most major highways in the state.
In some instances, the restrictions cause some trucks to detour for many miles when much shorter routes are more practical. According to New Jersey Motor Truck Association Executive Director Gail Toth, the N.J. DOT has been petitioned by many truckers for limited exceptions to the current ban. The proposed changes reflect the DOT's concern for the extra miles some big trucks are forced to drive in the state.
However, initial reaction to the proposal has been hostile. The Trenton Times published a story under the headline, "Mayors fuming over plan to ease truck ban."
Former Gov. Christie Whitman imposed the original ban three years ago. The ban is being challenged in court by the American Trucking Associations and truckload carrier U.S. Xpress.