OOIDA Call to Action – Colorado members
April 20, 2010

Attention: Colorado truckers! The Colorado Senate Transportation Committee needs to hear from truckers about a bill that calls for large trucks to clear out the left lane on steep grades along Interstate 70.

SB173 would require vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds to stay out of the left lane on I-70 where the average uphill grade is 6 percent or more for at least one mile. It would affect areas near the Eisenhower Tunnel and Vail Pass.

Exceptions would be made for exiting or entering the roadway, traffic or weather conditions that require slower travel, and traffic congestion that limits vehicle speeds by at least 20 mph.

Currently, the bill singles out slow-moving trucks, but there is talk of expanding it to include all vehicles. Colorado law already prohibits vehicles from impeding the normal traffic flow. There doesn’t appear to be a benefit for the change that is sought in SB173.

It is always important to stay in contact with your elected officials on issues of significance. You are encouraged to take time NOW to share your views on this bill before the Senate Transportation Committee meets Thursday, April 22. The committee is scheduled to discuss SB173 in Senate Committee Room 352 at the Capitol as soon as the Senate floor session wraps up.

If you are unable to attend, be sure to make your opinion known to members of the seven-person committee prior to the meeting.