Truckers say Pa. bridge safety detours are costing you

     (Jeff Roberson/AP Photo, file)

    (Jeff Roberson/AP Photo, file)

    Pennsylvania’s deteriorating bridges mean big trucks will be taking detours around our region.  

    Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association Safety Director Keven Stewart says when weight restrictions are imposed to protect dilapidated bridges, drivers of the biggest trucks have to find a different way to go from place to place.

    “Many of the postings are occurring on major roadways where several of our carriers now have to take detours,” Stewart said. “One carrier in particular, what used to be a 10-minute ride now involves a 40-mile detour.”

    In Southeast Pennsylvania, the detours are often only a few miles, but there are several 10 miles or longer.

    Stewart says there is a trickle down effect to people who are buying goods transported by truck.

    “It causes problems for everyone, it increases our delivery times for the carriers, because of the increased distances it will increase costs for customers, many of those bridges are in areas that are major thoroughfares,” Stewart said.

    The problems come for the most part from a lack of federal funding to rebuild the crumbling structures, which is caught up in the budget stalemate in Washington.  But Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett is also struggling to get his transportation plan approved that would also provide bridge repair money.

