ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. (AP) – Town officials are hoping the state’s congressional delegation can persuade the Federal Highway Administration to grant a waiver so heavy logging trucks can bypass the downtown on Interstates 93 and 91.

Now, because the logging trucks are prohibited from the interstates, they use local streets that go past areas frequented by children and adult pedestrians.

“They (logging trucks) have to go right by the St. Johnsbury School, where kids cross the road, then through St. Johnsbury Academy campus, then right through downtown,” said Town Manager Mike Welch.

Federal weight restrictions limit trucks that use the interstate to 80,000 pounds. Vermont law allows 99,000-pound trucks.

Despite efforts from the congressional delegation and Gov. Jim Douglas, nothing has changed.

“The biggest issue is they don’t want to grant any waivers,” Welch said. “The Federal Highway Administration would have to grant a waiver. Once they open the door, they’ll have to grant waivers all over the place.”

Welch said St. Johnsbury selectmen would keep trying to get federal officials to change the rules.