TCAgenda2024November251.Adoption of Agenda
2.Welcome and Introductions
3.Eastern Frederick County Transportation Study Update
3.A.Eastern Frederick County Transportation Study Update
4.VDOT Road Maintenance Prioritization Process
4.A.VDOT Road Maintenance Prioritization Process
5.Capital Improvement Plan Update
5.A.Capital Improvement Plan Update
6.MPO Study - Exit 321-323 Transportation Study
6.A.Exit 321-323 Transportation Study
7.Potential Pilot Program - Increased Truck Weights on Interstates
7.A.Increased Truck Weights on Interstates
8.County Project Updates
8.A.County Project Updates
AGENDA
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2024
8:30 AM
FIRST-FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM
FREDERICK COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA
TC11-25-24EasternFCTranspStudyDraft_Update.pdf
TC11-25-24VDOTRoadMaintenancePrioritizationProcess.pdf
TC11-25-24CapitalImprovementPlan_Update.pdf
TC11-25-24Exit321-323_TransportationStudy.pdf
TC11-25-24IncreasedTruckWeightsonInterstates.pdf
TC11-25-24CountyProjectUpdates.pdf
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9.Other
9.A.Other
TC11-25-24Other.pdf
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Transportation Committee
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: November 25, 2024
Agenda Section: Eastern Frederick County Transportation Study Update
Title: Eastern Frederick County Transportation Study Update
Attachments:
TC11-25-24EasternFCTranspStudyDraft_Update.pdf
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Transportation Committee
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: November 25, 2024
Agenda Section: VDOT Road Maintenance Prioritization Process
Title: VDOT Road Maintenance Prioritization Process
Attachments:
TC11-25-24VDOTRoadMaintenancePrioritizationProcess.pdf
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Transportation Committee
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: November 25, 2024
Agenda Section: Capital Improvement Plan Update
Title: Capital Improvement Plan Update
Attachments:
TC11-25-24CapitalImprovementPlan_Update.pdf
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Transportation Committee
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: November 25, 2024
Agenda Section: MPO Study - Exit 321-323 Transportation Study
Title: Exit 321-323 Transportation Study
Attachments:
TC11-25-24Exit321-323_TransportationStudy.pdf
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UNIFIED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM (UPWP)
FOR THE
WINCHESTER – FREDERICK COUNTY (WinFred)
METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (MPO)
FY 2025
(July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025)
Adopted for Public Comment: 4/17/2024 Final Adoption: 5/15/2024
Winchester-Frederick County, Virginia
Metropolitan Planning Organization
C/o Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional
Commission 400 Kendrick Lane, Suite E
Front Royal, VA 22630
540-636-8800
www.winfredmpo.org
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Preparation Statement
Prepared on behalf of the WinFred Metropolitan Planning Organization by the Northern
Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission staff through a cooperative process involving the City
of Winchester, County of Frederick, Town of Stephens City, Virginia Department of
Transportation, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, Federal Highway
Administration, and the Federal Transit Administration.
Grants from the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Virginia
Department of Transportation, and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
financially aided the preparation of this program.
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MPO Policy Board
Officers:
Chair— Judith McCann-Slaughter, Frederick County
Vice Chair— John Hill, City of Winchester
Secretary/Treasurer—Brandon Davis, Executive Director NSVRC (non-voting)
Voting Members:
Josh Ludwig, Frederick County
Judith McCann-Slaughter, Frederick County
Michael Bollhoefer, Frederick County
Michael Majher, Town of Stephens City
Daniel Hoffman, City of Winchester
John Hill, City of Winchester
Phil Milstead, City of Winchester
Todd Stevens, Virginia Department of Transportation
Alternate Voting Members:
Tim Youmans and Perry Eisenach, City of Winchester
Wyatt Pearson, Frederick County
Brad Reed, Adam Campbell, Ed Carter, Matt Smith, Virginia Department of Transportation
Non-Voting Members:
Steve Minor, Federal Highway Administration
Tony Cho, Federal Transit Administration
Amy Garbarini, Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation
Rusty Harrington, Virginia Department of Aviation
MPO Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)
Members:
Chair - John Bishop, Frederick County
Vice-Chair - Perry Eisenach, City of Winchester
Patrick Barker, Frederick County
Wyatt Pearson, Frederick County
Jay Tibbs, Frederick County
Mike Majher, Town of Stephens City
Tim Youmans, City of Winchester
Justin Hall, City of Winchester
Mike Ruddy, City of Winchester
Brad Reed and Adam Campbell, Virginia Department of Transportation
Amy Garbarini, Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation
Nick Sabo, Winchester Airport
Kenneth Johnson, Winchester Transit (WinTran)
Administrative & Staff Support
Provided by Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………………………...6
WORK TASK 1: Program Management & Public Outreach……………………………….…....9
WORK TASK 2: Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)………………………………...10
WORK TASK 3: Federal or State Requested Work Tasks ………………….…………………11
WORK TASK 4: Transit Planning…………………………………………...…………………11
WORK TASK 5: Local Technical Assistance…………………………………………………..11
WORK TASK 6: Bicycle & Pedestrian Planning ………………………………………………12
WORK TASK 7: System Planning……………………………………………………………...13
WORK TASK 8: Long Range Planning, Modeling, GIS & Data…............................................13
BUDGET FOR FY25……………………………………………………………………………14
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Winfred Metropolitan
Planning Organization
400 Kendrick lane, Suite E
Front Royal, VA 22630
Policv Board
Chair:
Judith McCann-Slaughter
Frederick Collnl)'
Vice-Chair:
Phil Milstead
City of Winchester
Secretary/ Treasurer:
Braridon Davis
NSVRC
City of Winchester:
*Dan Hoffman
City Manager
• Phil Mi lsteadCouncil Member*John Hill
Council Me111ber
Frederick County:
*Judith MrCann-Slaughter
Board ofSupen,isors
•Michael BollhoeferCo11nl)' Ad111inis1ra1or
*,Josh Ludwig
Board ofSupen·isors
Stephens City:
*Michael Majhcr
Town Manager
VDOT:
*Todd Ste,'ensDisrricr Ad111inis1rator
Va. Dept. of Rail & Public
Trans.:
Amy Garbarini
Transit Planning Manager
Federal Highway
Administration:
Stc,·cn Mh1or
Planning and Em•iro11111e111al Speciolist
Federal Transit
Administration:
Tony Cho
Transportation Program Specialisr
• Denotes Voting Members
[Winfred�
Resolution
By The
WinFred Metropolitan Planning Organization
Approving the FY2025 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)
WHEREAS, the fY2025 Unified Pl anning Work Program will serve as the basis for all
U.S. Depat1ment of Transportation (DOT) funding participation and will be included in
all requests for DOT planning funds and
WHEREAS, this UPWP details all transportation and transportation-related planning
activities anticipated within the area during the coming fiscal year and
WHEREAS, this UPWP has been reviewed and recommended for approval by the
Technical Advisory Committee;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Winfred Metropolitan Planning
Organization does hereby approve and adopt the FY2025 Unified Planning Work
Program on April 17. 2024.
oith Mccann-Slaughter
Winfred MPO Chair
igned: ____________ _
Brandon Davis
Winfred MPO Secretary-Treasurer
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INTRODUCTION
The Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) for transportation planning identifies all activities
to be undertaken in the Winchester-Frederick County Metropolitan Planning Organization
(WinFred MPO) study area for Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025). The UPWP
provides a mechanism for the coordination of transportation planning activities in the region and
is required as a basis for and condition of all federal funding assistance for transportation planning
by the joint metropolitan planning regulations of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
The work tasks within this UPWP reflect issues and concerns from transportation agencies at the
federal, state, and local levels. The descriptions of the tasks to be accomplished and the budgets
are based on the best estimate of what can be achieved within the confines of available federal,
state, and local resources.
Metropolitan Planning Area
The WinFred MPO planning area consists of the City of Winchester, the Town of Stephens City,
the Urban Area of Frederick County, and the area of Frederick County projected to be urban by
2045 (see map on the following page).
Data from the U.S. Census shows that the population of the WinFred MPO area grew by just over
20% between 2010 and 2020. This compares to a growth rate of 7.3% for the City of Winchester,
16% for Frederick County, and 7.9% for the Commonwealth of Virginia. This data is shown in
Table 1.
Table 1: Growth in the Region, 2010-2020
2010 Census
Population
2020 Census
Population
% Change
City of Winchester 26,203 28,120 7.3%
Frederick County 78,305 91,419 16.7%
Total 104,508 119,539 14.4%
WinFred MPO 69,449 83,377 20.1%
% %
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Responsibilities for Transportation Planning
The WinFred Metropolitan Planning Organization is the organization responsible for conducting
the continuing, comprehensive, and coordinated (3-C) planning process for the City of Winchester,
Town of Stephens City, and Frederick County Urban Area per requirements of Section 134 (Title
23 U.S.C.) of the Federal Highway Act of 1962, and Section 5303 of the Federal Transit Act. The
WinFred MPO is the official Metropolitan Planning Organization for the urban area, designated
by the Governor of Virginia under Section 134 of the Federal Aid Highway Act and the joint
metropolitan planning regulations of FHWA and FTA.
Organization of the WinFred MPO
The policy-making body of the WinFred MPO is the Policy Board, which consists of 8 voting
members. These include three representatives from the City of Winchester, three from Frederick
County, one from the Town of Stephens City, and one from VDOT. Other agencies with non-
voting membership on the WinFred MPO Policy Board include the Virginia Department of Rail
and Public Transportation, the Virginia Department of Aviation, the Federal Highway
Administration, and the Federal Transit Administration.
The Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission (NSVRC) provides staff support to the
WinFred MPO. NSVRC staff members, in cooperation with the MPO member agencies, collect,
analyze, and evaluate demographic, land use, and transportation data to better understand the area's
transportation system requirements. Special studies, research, and other work tasks requested by
the MPO are the responsibility of the NSVRC to plan and coordinate. Consultant assistance may
be sought when required to complete work tasks. NSVRC also prepares materials for the Policy
Board and Technical Advisory meetings and any scheduled sub-committee meetings.
NSVRC staff will participate in all WinFred MPO meetings and provide the required staff support
and administration for the transportation planning program. Staff members will also represent the
MPO at necessary meetings with federal, state, and local organizations.
Total Proposed Funding by Federal Source for FY2025
Metropolitan Planning Funds (PL funds) are provided by the Federal Highway Trust Fund and
distributed by State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) to MPOs to conduct the planning
activities required by Title 23 of the U.S. Code 134. PL funds are distributed to States based on a
ratio of the urban-area population in individual States to the total nationwide urban-area
population. State DOTs then distribute this funding to the MPOs in their State based on a formula
agreed to by the MPOs and approved by their FHWA Division Office.
The primary funding sources for transportation planning activities included in this work program
are FHWA Section 112 (PL) and FTA Section 5303. The budget table on page 14 shows the
proposed funding amounts (including state and local matching funds) for completing the tasks
described in this UPWP.
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WORK TASK 1: Program Management
Objective and Description: This task includes ongoing activities that ensure proper management
and operation of a continuing, comprehensive, and coordinated (3-C) planning process as
described in the Memorandum of Understanding.
Products:
The primary products of this task are as follows and include those tasks necessary to the timely
and accountable administration of the MPO Planning Process:
• Implementation of the FY25 UPWP work tasks throughout the fiscal year and provision of all
required administrative functions, including accounting, financial reporting, personnel
administration, office management, contract administration, and necessary office equipment
(e.g., computers, software, etc.);
• Support the activities of the WinFred MPO through the preparation of reports, presentations,
agendas, and minutes for all Policy Board, TAC, and other meetings, as well as attendance at
those meetings;
• Social media management, such as updating the MPO Facebook page, posting relevant
information, and sharing information from other agencies;
• Travel and Training/Education for staff members as it relates to MPO/Transportation Planning,
such as various workshops, short courses, conferences, and seminars that will enhance their
knowledge and working skills, including staff attendance at the annual AMPO, VAMPO, VA
APA, and Governor’s Transportation conferences.
Budget: $95,000
1.1 Public Outreach
Objective and Description: This task includes ongoing activities that maintain and encourage
meaningful participation of local citizens in metropolitan transportation planning. Public
participation is an integral component of MPO activities, and therefore, this work task is
integrated with program support.
Products:
The primary products of this task are as follows and include those tasks necessary to the timely
and accountable administration of the MPO Planning Process:
• Continue a proactive public participation process that provides complete information, timely
public notice, full public access to critical decisions, and supports early and continuing
involvement of the public in developing long and short-range transportation plans and other
documents in accordance with the approved Public Participation Plan (PPP);
• Maintenance of Title VI, ADA, and environmental justice compliance in all work plans and
activities for both highway and transit modes, including consultation with appropriate groups,
committees, and community representatives;
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• Maintenance of the WinFredMPO.org website with timely information regarding the MPO’s
ongoing activities, scheduled events, information related to regional transportation issues, and
planning documents;
• Evaluation of the effectiveness of the Public Participation Plan (PPP) and Title VI Plan for
engaging transportation-disadvantaged communities in the decision-making process.
Budget: $5,000
WORK TASK 2: Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
Objective and Description: As required by federal planning regulations, the Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP) for the WinFred MPO is a four-year program of highway, transit,
bicycle, pedestrian, safety, and transportation enhancement projects receiving federal funds. State
and locally funded projects are also included in the TIP for coordination purposes.
The TIP is updated every four years and must be approved by the MPO Policy Board and the
Governor of Virginia. It is a condition for all federal funding assistance for transportation
improvements within the WinFred MPO study area.
The public and all other interested parties will be given an opportunity to review and comment on
the proposed TIP as described under the WinFred MPOs adopted Public Participation Plan. To
facilitate the public review, MPO staff will provide visualization of TIP projects, post the TIP on
the MPO website, and make the TIP accessible at public agencies, government offices, and upon
request.
This task maintains a regional TIP and will require the active support of the WinFred MPO Policy
Board and committees, as well as coordination with member agencies.
Products:
• Processing of requested amendments and administrative modifications to the adopted TIP;
• Mapping of TIP projects and Annual Listing of Projects for the next fiscal year;
• Update the TIP, which must be done every four years.
Budget: $1,000
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WORK TASK 3: Federal or State-Requested Work Tasks
Objective and Description: The MPO staff will work with federal and state agencies to support
projects and programs to coordinate regional transportation planning activities.
Products:
• Preparation of studies and reports as necessary for the completion of this task and as
directed by the appropriate federal and/or state agencies; Representation of the WinFred
MPO on the Virginia Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (VAMPO) by
participating in all meetings, events and training programs of the association and provide
information as appropriate to the MPO agencies and partners;
• Attendance and participation in the VTRANS update;
• Attendance at meetings as requested by VDOT, DRPT, FTA, and FHWA;
• Annual Work Plan submitted to VDOT.
Budget: $10,000
WORK TASK 4: Transit Planning
4.1 Winchester Transit System Planning
Objective and Description: The Winchester Transit System (WinTran) conducts transit planning
and administration efforts to comply with FTA requirements to receive Section 5307 capital and
operating grants.
Products: MPO coordination with WinTran on transit planning activities in the MPO planning
area.
Budget: $2,500
4.2 MPO Area Transit Planning
Objective and Description: Continuation of the MPO Transit Feasibility study exploring
implementation scenarios.
Budget: $2,500
WORK TASK 5: Local Technical Assistance
Objective and Description: This annual UPWP task provides flexible planning support and
services to the WinFred MPO localities. Products will originate from a requesting MPO locality.
Products:
Activities may include, but are not limited to:
• Development and submission of transportation-related grants to include SMART SCALE
for WinFred MPO localities for both highway and transit projects;
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• Management of the on-call consultant list for the MPO and its member localities with
contract administration and project management services.
Budget: $ 15,000
WORK TASK 6: Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning
Objective and Description: This annual UPWP task provides flexible planning support and
services to the WinFred MPO localities for bicycle and pedestrian planning. Through these
activities, WinFred MPO will meet the BIL (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) requirements that
each MPO uses at least 2.5% of its PL funds on specified planning activities to increase safe and
accessible options for multiple travel modes for people of all ages and abilities. [§11206(b)]
6.1: City of Winchester Bikeshare
Objective and Description: This UPWP task will oversee the implementation and management of
the Winchester Bikeshare Program. The newly established Bike and Pedestrian Advisory
Committee will assist in these tasks.
Products:
• Development and posting of a Request for Proposals resulting in the selection of a
contractor to implement and manage the Winchester Bikeshare Program; and
• An established and fully operational Bikeshare Program within the City of Winchester
Budget: $ 7,500
6.2: Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Management
Objective and Description: This UPWP task will provide management of the newly established
Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
Products:
Activities may include, but are not limited to:
• Creation of an RFP, resulting in a selected contractor to implement the Winchester
Bikeshare Program;
• Assisting in the update of the MPO’s Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan;
• Identifying opportunities for updates to bike and pedestrian infrastructure in the WinFred
MPO area;
• Planning for a FY26 Bicycle Friendly Community Workshop
• Advising TAC and Policy Board on bike and pedestrian-related matters within the
WinFred MPO.
Budget: $ 13,271
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WORK TASK 7: System Planning
Objective & Description: Projects included in this work task bridge the gap between project
readiness required for construction/ implementation and the conceptualized phase of a project
prioritized in the CLRP. Activities will include site-specific evaluation and validation of
appropriate alternatives and will further refine understanding of the necessary project scope to
accomplish a goal in the LRTP. Through these activities, WinFred MPO will meet the BIL
requirements that each MPO uses at least 2.5% of its PL funds on specified planning activities to
increase safe and accessible options for multiple travel modes for people of all ages and abilities.
[§11206(b)]
7.1 I-81 Exits 321- 323 Improvements Study -- Frederick County (Carryover from FY24)
Objectives & Description: The I-81/US 11 corridor between Rest and Clear Brook (exits 321
and 323) is planned for industrial and warehouse uses. This study will forecast the traffic
impacts of future economic development on the Exit 323 interchange and identify improvements
needed to accommodate growth.
Products: Technical report identifying the preferred alternatives and costs.
Budget: $ 195,000 (includes 20% staff project management time)
7.2 Apple Blossom Mall Area Study – City of Winchester (Carryover from FY24)
Objectives & Description: Develop a plan for possible future improvements that considers the
following in the area surrounding the Apple Blossom Mall: Extension of Legge Blvd.; future use
of Mall Blvd.; possible modifications to private roadways on the Apple Blossom Mall property;
multimodal facilities including Winchester Transit and multi-use trails to connect to Green Circle
Trail.
Products: Plan identifying possible future improvements and costs.
Budget: $ 125,000 (includes 20% staff project management time)
WORK TASK 8: Long-Range Planning, Modeling, GIS & Data
Objective and Description: This task involves GIS mapping, data collection, and database
management to support all MPO UPWP work tasks (including GIS software maintenance for
two users at 50% of the total cost).
Products:
1. Maps and data produced in support of MPO UPWP work tasks.
Budget: $ 10,584
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Highway Funding Transit Funding
FHWA State Local Subtotal FTA State Local Subtotal
Planning Match Match Highway 5303 Match Match Transit
80%10%10%80%10%10%
FY 2025 PL Funds (FHWA/VDOT)$193,572 $24,197 $24,196 $241,965 $241,965
FY 2023 Carryover PL Funds to FY2025 (FHWA/VDOT)$615 $77 $77 $768 $768
FY 2025 5303 Funds (FTA/DRPT) $95,698 $11,962 $11,962 $119,622 $119,622
FY 2024 PL requested funds carryover into FY2025
(FHWA/VDOT)$96,000 $12,000 $12,000 $120,000 $120,000
Total Revenues $290,187 $36,273 $36,273 $362,733 $95,698 $11,962 $11,962 $119,622 $482,355
FHWA State Local Subtotal FTA State Local Subtotal
VDOT/Planning Match Match Highway 5303 Match Match Transit
DRPT 80%10%10%80%10%10%
Task 1: Program Management & Public Outreach 50/50 $40,000 $5,000 $5,000 $50,000 $40,000 $5,000 $5,000 $50,000 $100,000
Task 2: Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)95/5 $760 $95 $95 $950 $40 $5 $5 $50 $1,000
Task 3: State/Federal Requested Work Tasks 90/10 $7,200 $900 $900 $9,000 $800 $100 $100 $1,000 $10,000
Task 4: Transit Planning 0/100 $4,000 $500 $500 $5,000 $5,000
Task 5: Local Technical Assistance 70/30 $8,400 $1,050 $1,050 $10,500 $3,600 $450 $450 $4,500 $15,000
Task 6: Bicycle & Pedestrian Planning 0/100 $16,617 $2,077 $2,077 $20,771 $20,771
Task 7: System Planning 90/10 $230,400 $28,800 $28,800 $288,000 $25,600 $3,200 $3,200 $32,000 $320,000
Task 8: Long Range Planning, Modeling, GIS and Data 40/60 $3,387 $423 $424 $4,234 $5,080 $635 $635 $6,350 $10,584
Subtotal: Expenditures $290,147 $36,268 $36,269 $362,684 $95,737 $11,967 $11,967 $119,671 $482,355
Total Expenditures $482,355
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FY2025 Revenues and Expenditures by Funding Source
Total Revenues
Total ExpendituresExpenditures
Revenues
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Transportation Committee
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: November 25, 2024
Agenda Section: Potential Pilot Program - Increased Truck Weights on
Interstates
Title: Increased Truck Weights on Interstates
Attachments:
TC11-25-24IncreasedTruckWeightsonInterstates.pdf
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New Business brought by Chairman Ludwig
Frederick County needs to study HR3372
•HR3372 enables a 91,000 lb Trucks Pilot Project (current Virginia limit is 80,000 lb gross
weight)
•80,000 lb is also the current limit in MD, WV, NC, SC, FL, and TN
•Georgia allows containerized payloads up to 100,000 lb
•Concerns:
•Motorist Safety
•Infrastructure Damage
•Cost to Upgrade Local Bridges
•Richmond has rejected this before as a state law
•The VA Association of Chiefs of Police, national law enforcement organizations, the
National Association of County Engineers, VACo, NACo, and other organizations oppose
•Other similar efforts include:
•Increased Truck Lengths (from Double 28 to Double 33), which has not passed
•Exemption for Log Trucks, which passed under H R2493 and SR1818
•Increased weight in Virginia to 84,000lb (5 axles) and 156,000 lb (8 axles)
•CABT will provide us with more data:
•Local bridges that would not bear above 80,000 lb
•Specific request for the 522 bridge over the Opequon in Shawnee District
(bearing Inland Port/One Logistics trucks)
•Exit 313 Bridge Design
•Truck traffic growth in past decade
•Truck accident growth in past decade
•Way Ahead:
•I have emailed Ben Cline to request the advocates' argument for this bill, so we
have both sides of the issue
•This is not currently anticipated to be an issue in Richmond this coming year
•If the county wishes to oppose, we should engage Representative Cline by [date?]
•Frederick County could consider developing a national legislative agenda, similar to
the state agenda we update every year
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PROPOSALS IN CONGRESS THREATEN COUNTY BRIDGES
As Congress considers proposals to allow heavier semi-trucks on U.S. highways, county officials across
the country should be sounding the alarm. The potential consequences for local infrastructure,
particularly bridges, are staggering.
By: Matthew Muir
National Association of Counties
As Congress considers proposals to allow heavier semi-trucks on U.S. highways, county officials across
the country should be sounding the alarm.
The potential consequences for local infrastructure, particularly bridges, are staggering. A recent study,
The Impacts of Heavier Trucks on Local Bridges, (conducted by NACo and the National Association of
County Engineers, with the input of numerous county highway officials), underscores the risks to
infrastructure across the country should Congress green light heavier trucks. The upcoming highway
reauthorization process promises to bring this issue to a head, and the stakes could not be higher for
county officials.
At the heart of this debate is a proposal to increase the maximum allowable truck weight to 91,000
pounds. The current limit is 80,000 pounds.
Congress has already taken steps toward making this change a reality. Last year, H.R. 3372, a bill
proposing a pilot project to allow 91,000-pound trucks on U.S. highways, was passed out of the House
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, with attempts to bring it to the House floor for a vote.
While this pilot project allows any state to increase weights for a period of up to 10 years, it is just the
beginning of an unfunded federal mandate for localities as roads and bridges face costly damage due to
the added weight. As trucks do not load and unload on interstates, these heavier trucks will find their
way onto local roads and bridges across the country.
According to the study, which examined local bridges off the National Highway System, a staggering
72,240 bridges would be put at risk by these heavier trucks. The cost to replace those bridges is
estimated to be $60.8 billion. For counties specifically, the financial burden is overwhelming. Of the total
bridges at risk, 40,907 are owned by county governments. The study estimates that replacing these
county-owned bridges would cost $20 billion—a monumental price tag for county governments already
struggling to maintain existing infrastructure.
County budgets are tight, and asking local taxpayers to foot such an enormous bill is both unrealistic and
unfair.
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Counties are already overburdened with the responsibility of maintaining America’s bridges. Despite
owning 36% of all bridges nationwide, counties oversee 51% of the bridges rated in poor condition. This
overrepresentation underscores a critical point: Counties have struggled for years with underfunding
from the federal government and growing maintenance backlogs. Now, with the potential of heavier
trucks on the horizon, those challenges could quickly become insurmountable.
The data makes one thing clear: Heavier trucks would disproportionately harm county-owned
infrastructure. As bridges deteriorate under the strain of increasing truck weights, local officials would
be forced to make difficult choices — whether to raise taxes, cut services or simply close failing bridges.
None of these options are acceptable for the millions of Americans who rely on safe, functional roads
and bridges for their daily commutes, commerce and emergency services.
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Transportation Committee
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: November 25, 2024
Agenda Section: County Project Updates
Title: County Project Updates
Attachments:
TC11-25-24CountyProjectUpdates.pdf
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Transportation Committee
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: November 25, 2024
Agenda Section: Other
Title: Other
Attachments:
TC11-25-24Other.pdf
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