IDOT Allows Hay Loads On Interstate
By: Sophie Nielsen-Kolding WMBD/WYZZ TV
Updated: September 4, 2012
PEORIA- In a new policy IDOT announced that farmers will be able to transport their hay on all state routes.
They are allowed loads up to 12-feet wide until the end of the year. IDOT said because of the financial blow of the drought, they're trying to help farmers cut down on transportation costs and think the interstate is a more convenient way to travel.
Peoria Farm Bureau Chief Patrick Kirchhofer said it's a good idea, but after all of the rain from Hurricane Isaac, he doesn't think many farmers will take advantage of it.
"We got some much needed rainfall and that's really going to improve the pastures and that's what the cattle feed on is pastures a lot of the time and it's going to green them up. We've got some warm weather now the grass is going to grow again," Kirchhofer said.
Depending on the size, hay trucks will have to have flashing lights and 'oversized load' signs in an effort to keep the roads safe.
They are allowed loads up to 12-feet wide until the end of the year. IDOT said because of the financial blow of the drought, they're trying to help farmers cut down on transportation costs and think the interstate is a more convenient way to travel.
Peoria Farm Bureau Chief Patrick Kirchhofer said it's a good idea, but after all of the rain from Hurricane Isaac, he doesn't think many farmers will take advantage of it.
"We got some much needed rainfall and that's really going to improve the pastures and that's what the cattle feed on is pastures a lot of the time and it's going to green them up. We've got some warm weather now the grass is going to grow again," Kirchhofer said.
Depending on the size, hay trucks will have to have flashing lights and 'oversized load' signs in an effort to keep the roads safe.
