The final hurdle has been cleared for the federal bill allowing heavy trucks to travel the interstate north of Augusta.

On Sunday, the Senate approved the one year pilot program.

It would exempt Maine's federal highways from the 80,000 pound federal truck weight limit.

Senator Susan Collins is behind the bill.

She says that right now trucks weighing more than 80,000 pounds have to exit I-95 at Augusta and travel on secondary roads through towns and cities, raising concerns about safety and wear and tear on state roads.

The bill also includes a provision that would allow heavier trucks on federal highways in vermont for a one-year period.

It will now be sent to President Obama for his signature.

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