The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) is ramping up its efforts to combat damage caused by overweight vehicles. A newly approved state budget for the 2026 fiscal year authorizes the expanded use of weigh-in-motion technology, to protect transportation infrastructure from excessive wear and tear.
NYC DOT’s Commitment to Infrastructure Protection
“Overweight vehicles damage our transportation infrastructure, and we all pay the price through costly maintenance and repairs,” stated NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “Thanks to Gov. Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders, we will now have another highly effective way to protect more of our infrastructure and make those who damage it with overweight vehicles pick up the tab for costly maintenance and repairs.”
Weigh-in-motion systems, first implemented on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway in 2021, are now set to be deployed at 14 additional locations across New York City. These systems automatically identify vehicles exceeding legal weight limits without disrupting traffic flow.
Expanded Enforcement Locations
The newly authorized locations where weigh-in-motion technology will monitor overweight vehicles include:
NYC DOT-Owned in NYC:
- Brooklyn Queens Expressway (Interstate 278) in Kings County (Atlantic to Sands)
- Greenpoint Avenue Bridge over Newtown Creek
- Metropolitan Avenue Bridge over Newtown Creek
- Hamilton Avenue Bridge over the Gowanus Canal
- Williamsburg Bridge
- Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge (state Route 25)
- Third Avenue Bridge over the Harlem River
- Manhattan Bridge
- Long Island Expressway (Interstate 495) over Woodhaven Boulevard
Non-NYC DOT-Owned in NYC:
- RFK Bridge
- George Washington Bridge
NYS-Owned Outside NYC:
- Bear Mountain Bridge
- Newburgh Beacon Bridge
- Mid-Hudson Bridge
- NYS Thruway Interchange 34-A near Syracuse
“Weigh-in-motion technology has significantly reduced the number of overweight trucks on the BQE. Now, we can expand this effective tool across New York City,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Jeff Roth. “This will help us prioritize work and protect our infrastructure in the long term.”
Five-Year Plan for Monitoring and Fines
The state has budgeted for the use of weigh-in-motion technology to monitor overweight vehicles for the next five years. Drivers exceeding the maximum legal weight limit for their truck’s class will face a fine of $650 per violation, reinforcing accountability and deterring future infractions.
By expanding weigh-in-motion systems, New York City is taking proactive measures to protect its infrastructure and reduce costly repairs caused by overweight vehicles.
Source: Land Line
