Heavier loads of grain allowed on Missouri highways

The Missouri Department of Transportation has agreed to allow heavier than normal loads of grain on state highways throughout the harvest season after a request from the state Agriculture Department, according to a MoDOT news release. Farmers, private and for-hire motor carriers may carry up to 10 percent more than their licensed weight on Missouri highways. However, the heavier loads are not allowed to use interstates. The easing of weight restrictions is the result of lower water levels on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers caused by the drought, which would make moving farm products by barge difficult. Overweight permits will not be required, and the waiver is in effect through Dec. 31. For more information, call 800-877-8499 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. At other times, call 573-291-4517.