cap4000, I wasn't paying close attention (skimming) and mistakenly thought the 2nd post was someone responding to your question--and that the 2nd post answered the question.
Now that I see my mistake...
A continuous superstructure of a central pier will "draw" more of the load to the support, particularly when loaded in both spans: each span will behave like a fixed-pinned arrangement. Take a look at your continuous beam tables, whichever ones you are using.
The AASHTO folks decided to specifically exclude this loading condition for the pinned-pinned condition, when it is less likely to control, whether it controlled or not, seems inconsistent on its face, particularly when this loading is used for substructure design as well, but without knowing the reasoning (per the questions of my previous post)...just go by the code and "plug an chug".
Does appear the new code has a lot of undue and unnecessary complexity (especially LRFD for footings and retaining walls eeehgaad). Did notice some changes that made sense too.
I understand why the ADA, environmental, building codes, and funding processes are increasingly complicated because of a higher level of competing interests, politics and legalities. The bridge code should be the example and the saving grace, but alas.