Farmers in western Pennsylvania are worried that weight restrictions on the state's overloaded bridges could cause problems for the industry.
The Johnstown Tribune-Democrat reports that farmers at a Cambria County Farm Bureau Legislative tour say dependable highways and bridges are vital to the state's agricultural industry.
For David Myers, a Summerhill Township dairy farmer milking 300 Holsteins daily, to the paper trouble getting the milk truck in will be huge for his operation.
“Thursday we had three tractor-trailers in this road, all over 20 tons,” Myers said. “Every day we have a 20-ton milk truck in here. We are very concerned, especially if they come in and start posting weight limits.”
PennDOT has announced new weight restrictions on more than 1,000 bridges statewide. State Sen. John Wozniak, D-Westmont, says the bridges are not necessarily in danger of collapsing, but the restrictions are needed to prolong their working life.
The state Farm Bureau says it also wants legislation to prevent prosecution of landowners for incidents involving hunters, and recognition that people who take part in hay rides and corn mazes do so at their own risk.
Transportation Secretary Barry Schoch says the weight limits will remain in place for some time, The new weight limits will begin to be posted next week.
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