The state plans to start cracking down on heavy farm vehicles that’recracking up bridges. A new law that goes into effect July 1st will requirefarm vehicles to follow weight restrictions on bridges known as “embargoes.”Iowa Department of Transportation spokesman Tom Cackler says Ag equipmenthas been putting more and more stress on bridges.Cackler says a bridge in Boone County that recently collapsed as a farmerdrove his tractor over it shows what can happen.Under the new law, the owner of the equipment could be fined for driving onan embargoed bridge.Cackler says the operator could also be liable for repairs if the bridge wasdamaged. He says most farmers should know how much their equipment weighs.Cackler says the law will phase in embargoes on roads in July of 2001.
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