New law regarding large trucks on Interstate 70
December 6, 2007
State legislation was passed that prohibits trucks over 24,000 pounds (12 tons) from using the far left lane on I-70 within three miles of Highway 370. This new law goes into effect January 1, 2008.
There have been many accidents in the area. Near the Cave Springs Boulevard exit on I-70, an accident on Thursday involving a tractor-trailer and minivan resulted in two deaths.
Lisa A. Obannon, 45; Erin A. Obannon, 12; and William M. Obannon, 45, were traveling east in the center lane of I-70 in a minivan. Lisa Obannon stopped to avoid an accident, but the truck behind her did not stop. The truck crashed into the back of the Obannon van. Lisa Obannon and Erin Obannon both died as a result of the accident.
There is a heavy volume of traffic in those lanes, and this new law is intended to alleviate bottlenecks in the area. According to the MODOT 2006 Traffic Volume Map, the average annual daily traffic, heading east along that stretch of I-70 is approximately 145,748.
Copyright 2007 Neighbors About Town
Signs are posted for a law taking effect on January 1, 2008.
This law will prohibit large trucks in the left lane of I-70 near I-370.