Governor Phil Murphy

Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Allowing Greater Weight Limit for Vehicles Carrying COVID-19 Relief Supplies

04/8/2020

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 121, allowing an increase in the maximum weight limit on certain interstate highways and toll roads from 80,000 pounds (40 tons) tons to 92,000 pounds (46 tons) for vehicles transporting COVID-19 relief supplies.

“Consistently improving our supply chain for COVID-19 relief supplies, including PPE, ventilators, and testing kits, is one of our highest priorities,” said Governor Murphy. “Increasing the weight limit for vehicles carrying these critical supplies is a necessary step that will allow more supplies to reach New Jerseyans in need."

“Getting needed COVID-19 relief supplies where they are needed is critically important to saving lives,” said Department of Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “Increasing the maximum weight limit on vehicles carrying these supplies will help ensure that needed supplies get to the doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, and everyone fighting this pandemic as quickly as possible.  Increasing the weight carried by trucks creates efficiencies in moving goods while addressing the reduced number of drivers as a result of the virus.”

The Order allows vehicles carrying COVID-19 relief supplies to obtain special permits issued by the Department of Transportation in order to operate on certain state highways and toll roads at a weight limit of up to 92,000 pounds. The increased weight tolerance only applies to interstate highways within New Jersey, the New Jersey Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway from Exit 105 Southbound, and the Atlantic City Expressway.  It does not apply to I-78 Eastbound and Westbound bridges at Milepost 8.71 over Norfolk Southern Railroad in Hunterdon County, I-80 Ramp D (Landing Rd SB to I-80 EB) at Milepost 28.91 over Landing Road Northbound in Morris County, and north of Exit 105 on the Garden State Parkway.

The Order shall take effect at 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8.

Permits can be obtained at https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/freight/trucking/oversize.shtm

Copy of Executive Order No. 121