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Advocates push state to pilot weigh-in-motion systems to catch overweight trucks
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Summary
Supporters told the committee HB 5241 would use weigh-in-motion sensors to monitor truck axle weights without stopping traffic, improving safety and preserving pavement; proponents cited federal pilots and an approximate $8,000-per-lane equipment estimate.
Proponents of HB 5241 told the Transportation Committee that weigh-in-motion technology can detect overweight trucks at highway speed and fill gaps left by intermittent or unmanned static weigh stations.
Representative Foster and civil-engineering witnesses described how sensors embedded in lanes collect axle-by-axle weight data and can trigger interventions for overloaded vehicles. Foster said federal pilots have demonstrated operational gains and argued the approach preserves infrastructure and enhances safety. Civil engineer Aaron Foster (Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers) told the committee the sensors can provide fleet operators and the state with actionable feedback to reduce vehicle imbalance and long-term road damage.
A cost ballpark figure cited at the hearing was "$8,000 per lane," derived from earlier studies; witnesses said they would provide supporting documentation. Committee members asked about reliability, evasion and how automated collection would be reconciled with existing manned weigh stations. Witnesses said sensor parameters and speed thresholds can be adjusted and that weigh-in-motion is typically implemented on high-traffic corridors alongside staffed stations.
The committee requested installation and cost analyses from technical witnesses and the Department of Transportation before further action.
