Westerly council unanimously opposes proposed larger, heavier commercial trucks

Westerly Town Council voted unanimously on April 20 to oppose proposed increases to the legal size and weight of commercial motor vehicles after town staff described potential impacts on bridges and roadway maintenance.

The town manager explained that proposals on the national level would add length and weight to dual-trailer trucks and could increase deterioration of local infrastructure and bridge repair costs. A council motion to approve opposition was seconded and passed 7–0.

Councilors said the position reflects common objections raised by neighboring communities and municipalities across the state, and the council directed staff to enter the town’s opposition into the record so that state and federal officials might consider local infrastructure impacts.