Tom Warne Report, 22 February 2013
More stretches of Utah roadways may soon have 80 mph speed limits under a measure one step closer to passage by lawmakers. Two separate bills address traffic and safety improvements. Utah law currently authorizes 75 mph speeds on interstates and limited access roadways in rural areas, with the exception of a stretch of I-15 between Nephi and Cedar City, which has been posted 80 mph since 2009.
The new 80 mph measure was unanimously approved by the Senate Transportation, Public Utilities and Technology Committee, allowing the House-approved bill to advance. The bill would expand the section of I-15 with the higher speed limit, as well as add stretches of 80 mph posting on stretches of I-80 and I-84.
The measure now goes to the Senate floor. If approved, HB83 would go to the governor’s desk. House lawmakers passed the un-amended measure with a vote of 69-5. Another bill that is progressing through the statehouse is would authorize left turns on red at certain new intersections. Senate lawmakers also unanimously approved a bill to limit use of runaway ramps for emergency use only.