Heavier Loads Temporarily Allowed on Maryland Highways To Expedite Aid to Hurricane Gustav Victims          
          
          
(September 5, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley today issued an executive order to the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) to expedite aid and relief to stricken regions of Louisiana’s Gulf Coast following the devastation in the wake of Hurricane Gustav. Governor O’Malley’s order is in response to a direct request for assistance from Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. SHA will temporarily waive or modify truck hauling restrictions and conditions to safely facilitate rapid relief efforts originating in Maryland or traveling through the State toward the Gulf Coast region. This order will be disseminated to SHA’s more than 4,000 hauling-permit customers and trucking industry professionals in North America.           
          
Vehicles that are transporting supplies, equipment or other needs for emergency relief will be allowed a 15 percent tolerance above any statutory weight limit. This means trucks can carry more cargo than normally allowed on Maryland highways before going through the permitting process usually required to carry such weight. The order will help clear the way for essential supplies and equipment to reach their destination in a timely manner. The provisions of the Maryland order are applicable to Maryland highways only, and not to the entire Interstate Highway System, which is regulated by the Federal Highway Administration.          
          
“It’s critically important to help our fellow citizens in regions affected by Hurricane Gustav,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Storms of these magnitudes require wide-ranging and immediate action. Earlier this week, I authorized the deployment of elements of the Maryland Army National Guard to assist in recovery efforts. Today we take an additional step to expedite vital supplies through Maryland.”           
          
Several states impacted by Hurricane Gustav have declared emergencies and are seeking assistance. Additionally, storms in the Atlantic are moving toward the Atlantic Coast. Should Maryland be affected, the Governor’s order will enable aid, supplies and equipment to be rapidly deployed to different regions of the State. SHA is working closely with the Maryland State Police’s motor truck enforcement arm and the Maryland Transportation Authority Police to ensure a smooth transition on Maryland roads and highways.          
          
Motorists are reminded to stay out of the “No-Zone.” The no-zone is a blind spot to vehicles that truckers create. Trucks and buses comprise approximately 12 percent of all motor vehicle traffic in Maryland. It is essential to provide trucks plenty of room to stop and navigate, especially while making turns. Learn more about truck safety by logging on to www.choosesafetyforlife.com.          
          
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