Longer semi-trucks could soon be coming to state roads in North Dakota after the state Department of Transportation recently launched a pilot program to look into the possibility.

The analysis comes after state lawmakers weighed legislation in 2020 that could have paved the way for “road trains” or extra-long semi-trailers designed to lower fuel costs and other expenses associated with moving goods.

But as safety concerns crept into the mix, legislators elected to pass a bill that would allow for more time to study the issue.

“This is a great opportunity to work with our transportation partners and learn more about the long combination vehicle impact on the state highway system,” Mise Kisse, maintenance assistance division engineer with the Transportation Department, told USNews.com. “This legislation has the potential to benefit the North Dakota economy.”

As part of the change, Transportation Department officials are now accepting applications through the end of November from individuals across the industry about possible trucking routes and configurations. Among the ideas to be considered will be allowing cargo trailers to expand by 30 feet in length up to 130 feet.

Transportation officials add the department intends to review proposed routes for any issues that could arise regarding longer trucks traveling over bridges or through intersections. It also will study whether it would be problematic for cars seeking to pass the longer trucks.

With the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute at North Dakota State University also playing a role in conducting the study, department officials plan to report findings by Aug. 1, 2022.