Abstract

The Extended-Weight Coal Haul Road System, created by the Kentucky Legislature in 1986, consists of all roads which carry over 50,000 tons of coal in a calendar year. Trucks hauling coal on this system are authorized to exceed normal weight limits through the payment of an annual decal fee. A research study was initiated in July of 1992 to analyze the impacts of the extended-weight system.

Analyses in this report are based on the following: historical data on coal production and transportation: data from coal decal applications; interviews of legislators. transportation officials. coal company representatives. and coal trucking representatives: newspaper articles; vehicle classification data: analyses of pavement costs: pavement rideability data; and accident data.

Primary conclusions include: I) The extended-weight 5)'Stem has apparently been somewhat successful in accomplishing the objective of enhancing the competitiveness and economic viability of the Kentucky coal industry; 2) Overall accident rates did not increase as a result of implementation of the extended-weight system. but the fatal accident injury rates were significantly higher on the extended-weight system and for trucks operating with the coal decal; 3) Advance-warning flashers have been evaluated and recommended as a means of reducing intersection accidents involving heavy/coal trucks; 4) The coal-decal fee structure results in a net annual loss in Road Fund revenue of approximately S2 million; 5) Forty percent of revenue from decal fees are allocated to counties even though county-maintained roads comprise only eight percent of the extended-weight system; 6) Heavier weights of coal-decal trucks add approximately $9 million annually to the pavement overlay costs; 7) Road users throughout the state are subsidizing the movement of Kentucky coal by participating in the cost of maintaining and improving tile highway system; and 8) Possibly reflecting the increased funding of extended-weight roads., the rideability index. has risen to a level above the statewide average.

The primary recommendation was that the extended-weight system should evolve into a comprehensive trucking network. A "Resource and Commodity Highway System" was evaluated as a separate study and found to be a feasible and desirable means of providing a trucking highway network that is fully compatible with the dimensions and characteristics of large trucks.

Report Date

12-1995

Report Number

KTC-95-25

Digital Object Identifier

http://dx.doi.org/10.13023/KTC.RR.1995.25

Notes

The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the University of Kentucky, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, or the Federal Highway Administration. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.

Download

Share

COinS