U.S. Senator Ron Johnson has teamed up with Representatives Tony Wied and Jared Golden to introduce the bipartisan Safe Routes Act of 2025. This proposed legislation aims to permit logging trucks to use federal interstates for short-haul trips, a change from current regulations that require these vehicles to travel on non-interstate roads. This restriction increases accident risks due to encounters with two-way traffic, intersections, school zones, pedestrians, and driveways.
The Safe Routes Act of 2025 seeks to allow trucks carrying forest products at state legal weights access to interstate highways for short distances, aiming to reduce hazards while also saving time and fuel.
Senator Johnson stated: “The Safe Routes Act will support local businesses by eliminating regulatory burdens and allowing logging vehicles to exceed federal weight limits when transporting raw forest products. Wisconsinites will benefit from a reduced number of trips required, which will ultimately decrease transportation costs and allow business owners to keep more of their hard-earned money.”
In addition to Sen. Johnson and Rep. Wied, the bill is supported by Representatives Tom Tiffany, Derrick Van Orden, Jared Golden, and Mike Ezell.
The full text of the legislation is available online.
