The Senate yesterday approved a transportation appropriations bill that would, among other things, allow heavier trucks on Maine and Vermont Interstates, and continue funding for transportation enhancements such as bike paths.


The measure was part of an omnibus 2012 funding bill that covers the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce and Justice, as well as Transportation. It passed by a wide margin, 69-30, and now goes to conference between the Senate and House, where changes could be made before a final version is sent to the White House for the president's signature.

If the Maine and Vermont provisions survive the conference process, those states will have an exemption from the federal 80,000-pound limit on Interstate highways, in effect allowing trucks weighing up to 100,000 pounds on those roads.

The issue is a major concern to Maine and Vermont, which have argued long and hard that this relief will let them get heavier trucks off rural roads onto the safer Interstates and improve their ability to compete in their regional economy.

During debate over the measure, the senators defeated several moves to cut money for transportation enhancements such as programs for bicycle and pedestrian paths, and beautification.

The issue will resurface nest week in a different setting. On November 9 the Senate Environment and Public Works committee will vote on a two-year highway bill that may include a provision that would give states more flexibility on how they handle enhancement funds.