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December 14, 1999 11:06 AM, EST

PORTLAND, Maine — The head of the Maine Department of Transportation told truckers that falling speed limits caused by development along the state’s major highways were threatening the productivity of the industry.

The state is looking for ways to halt development that has forced the reduction of speed limits along major highways, which make up just 11% of the state’s pavement miles but carry more than 60% of the vehicular traffic.

MDOT Commissioner John Melrose said the state needs industry support to deal with shriveling speed limits. He made his pitch at the Maine Motor Transport Association’s “Shippers’ Night,” an annual gathering of truckers and their customers, held Dec. 2 in Maine’s largest city.

Melrose also said truckers and transportation officials have to work together to ensure the success of Maine’s roads.

For the full story, see the Dec. 13 print edition of Transport Topics. .