A Colorado state senate bill would require heavy trucks to stay in the right lane on steep grades along I-70 through the Rockies to improve traffic flow.
Senate Bill 173 would prohibit any truck weighing more than 26,000 pounds from running in the left lane of I-70 on any grade of 6 percent or more for at least a mile. Exceptions would be for exiting or entering the highway, weather conditions that slow travel or if traffic congestion reduces vehicle speeds by at least 20 mph.
The measure was introduced by Senate Transportation Chairman Dan Gibbs, D-Boulder. The Colorado Motor Carriers Association opposes the proposal, contending the state patrol has the authority to monitor drivers who are slowing traffic in the highway’s left lane.
The measure is scheduled for its first public hearing at the state capitol in Boulder later this month.
