8/6/03-A bill that would open up high-occupancy vehicle lanes to truckdrivers on two Minneapolis freeways has been tabled until the Legislature reconvenes in February 2004.
HF533, sponsored by House Majority Leader Jeff Johnson, R-Plymouth, would permit commercial vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds to drive in HOV lanes during rush hour.
Under the bill, high-occupancy vehicles and trucks weighing more than 26,000 pounds would have sole rights to the designated lanes on interstates 394 and 35W. Commute hours would begin one hour later than the current schedule and run from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. General traffic would be permitted to use the lanes during non-restricted hours.
The bill was in the House Transportation Policy Committee when the regular legislative session adjourned May 19.