House Bill Would Allow Even Larger Coal Trucks on Roads

By Scott Finn

The CAPITOL REPORT 2006 Legislature

sfinn@wvgazette.com

Oversized, overweight coal trucks could receive special permission to travel up to one-half mile on public roads under a bill being considered by the House of Delegates.

Currently, trucks that weigh up to 120,000 pounds are allowed on specially designated roads. Under the proposed rule change, coal companies could ask the commissioner of highways for permission to run heavier trucks on those highways.

The commissioner would not be required to notify the public or hold a public hearing, but he or she could choose to do so, said Kathy Holtsclaw, legislative liaison for the Division of Highways.

Delegate Mike Caputo, D-Marion, opposes the bill. Caputo, a United Mine Workers representative, distributed a picture of a huge truck that could qualify for the exemption. The machine towers above a crushed SUV in the photo. Its tires are more than 6 feet tall.

There is no limit on the size or type of truck that could receive a permit under the bill.

Bill Raney of the West Virginia Coal Association said the trucks in question usually would be smaller that the one Caputo talks about.

Sometimes a preparation plant is on the other side of the road from coal reserves, he said.

He also said most of the trucks would not travel the whole half- mile allowed in the bill.

He said most of the permits would be for crossing the road or going a relatively short distance.

"This is designed for times when there is no alternative to crossing the road," he said.

Under the proposed rule, the coal company would ask the commissioner of highways for a permit. Engineers would examine whether the roads and bridges could handle the proposed weights, Holtsclaw said.

Then, the commissioner could, if he or she chose, require the coal company to upgrade the road and bridges or add a turn lane or traffic signal. They also could be required to post a bond to cover the cost of repairing the road.

"We wrote the rules with safety in mind, because nobody wants something like that coming down the road with nowhere to go," Holtsclaw said.

Weirton Steel has a special permit that allows it to haul oversized, overweight loads on a state highway in Hancock County.

Other trucks can receive oversize permits on an individual basis.

They are required to use pilot cars and other safety devices, Holtsclaw said.

Those requirements are not part of the coal truck bill, but the commissioner of highways could make them part of the permit if he or she chose, she said.

On Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee defeated an amendment on a 12-12 vote to require pilot cars when oversized coal trucks traveled on public roads.

Delegate Lidella Hrutkay, D-Logan, said she wants the House of Delegates to reject the bill or at least require public notice and hearings.

"Some of these trucks are so big they cannot see regular cars on the road," she said.

To contact staff writer Scott Finn, use e-mail or call 357-4323.