What can bridge laws do regarding maximum axle weight limits?

Bridge laws are regulations designed to protect bridges from damage caused by heavy vehicle traffic. These laws set specific weight limits for vehicles, particularly focusing on the distribution of weight across axles.

The reason lowering axle weight limits is the correct choice relates to the engineering principles underlying bridge design. Bridges are constructed to support only a certain amount of weight per axle to ensure their structural integrity. When a vehicle exceeds these limits, it increases the risk of damage to the bridge. Therefore, bridge laws typically establish lower weight limits for trucks and other heavy vehicles to mitigate this risk and prevent structural failure.

This focus on conservation helps ensure that bridges remain safe and functional for all types of traffic, particularly those vehicles that are lighter and more evenly distributed. Ensuring compliance with these laws is essential for maintaining road safety and infrastructure longevity.