Trucks to be banned from US 40 bridge during most hours of project

Maryland Transportation Authority administrator George Fish says trucks would pose a larger hazard than cars if they became involved in an accident during the three-year redecking of the U.S. Route 40 bridge over the Susquehanna River.

The Associated Press

5/7/2008

PERRYVILLE, Md. — Truck drivers are grumbling about travel restrictions planned during the three-year redecking of the U.S. Route 40 bridge over the Susquehanna River.

When work begins next month, trucks will be banned from the bridge between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. The ban means many truck drivers will use the bridge on Interstate-95, where tolls are more expensive.

Area truck driver Kurt Guethler says he crosses the river three or four times each day, and says the higher tolls will cost him an additional $150 per week.

Maryland Transportation Authority administrator George Fish says the truck ban is a safety issue. He says trucks would pose a larger hazard than cars if they became involved in an accident on the bridge.