WJAR is reporting that the 100-wheeled truck hauling a 560,000-pound generator that had been black-flagged in Rhode Island is underway once more. Two weeks ago, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) pulled the truck over on I-95. Bay Crane, the company in charge of the move had not gotten the proper permits for such an oversized load. State officials feared that the weight of the truck would likely lead to a bridge collapse.
The RIDOT says that the maximum load permitted on state roads in 80,000. The 280-ton generator it more than a little over that limit. Rhode Island is said to have the worst infrastructure of any state, with most of the state's bridges in need of repair.
The truck and its cargo sat on the side on I-95 for a few days before it was moved off the interstate to a park-and-ride lot while a solution was worked out. A deal was worked out last Friday to get the truck moving again, but Bay Crane was unhappy with the terms and had the truck remain in the lot through the weekend while the terms were revisited.
WJAR is reporting that per the deal reached between the transporter and Rhode Island, Bay Crane will pay for the police escort of the truck. Bay Crane will pay an additional $60,000 to cover the expenses incurred by the state over the last two weeks of dealing with the truck. Bay Crane will also get a $25 million insurance policy to cover any damages caused by the truck no that it is on the way to its destination again.
The route will still take the truck over as many 51 bridges, which will be inspected afterward. The truck's final destination in Medway, Massachusetts. Ironically, Massachusetts is said to have the second worse infrastructure of all 50 states.