Indiana Gov. Joe Kernan signed a bill – SB19 – March 16 permitting heavier loads on certain northeast Indiana roads.

Under the new law, which took effect immediately, the allowed total weight of trucks increases from 80,000 pounds to 134,000 pounds on portions of U.S. 30, Indiana Route 9 and U.S. 6 by designating parts those roads as extra-heavy-duty highways, The Journal Gazette reported. Indiana already permits the heavier loads on 17 other highways throughout the state.

Sen. Charles “Bud” Meeks, R-Leo, the bill’s sponsor, died early Monday, March 22, in Fort Wayne, IN, after a lengthy illness. He was 67.

“It is difficult to imagine our Senate chambers without Bud,” Senate President Pro Tempore Robert Garton said in a statement. “He consistently brought an upbeat disposition and positive attitude to his duties as senator.”