Bill for 80 mph speed limit zips to North Dakota governor’s desk

BISMARCK — North Dakota motorists might legally journey the state’s interstate highways at 80 mph beneath a invoice headed to Gov. Doug Burgum.

The state Senate on Wednesday handed Home Invoice

1475

by Rep. Ben Koppelman, R-West Fargo, in a 25-21 vote. The state Home of Representatives final month handed it 65-29.

The invoice would elevate the interstate freeway pace restrict from 75 mph to 80 mph. There are two interstates in North Dakota — I-94 operating east and west throughout the south, together with by means of Bismarck-Mandan, and I-29 operating north and south by means of the jap Pink River Valley.

Supporters have mentioned the invoice would save motorists time and cut back their probability of being pulled over. Opponents have mentioned greater speeds will enhance site visitors fatalities.

Koppelman advised the Home final month that the state Division of Transportation would retain the power to regulate the pace restrict in areas of concern, corresponding to curves and the scenic Badlands part close to Medora, and will work with cities to find out the pace restrict the place interstates undergo city areas and the freeway speeds are diminished. Koppelman has unsuccessfully proposed the invoice three different instances.

Rep. Bob Paulson, R-Minot, on Wednesday cited a “rule of 85% to find out pace limits,” that “if greater than 85% of the common site visitors drives above the posted pace restrict, then steps needs to be taken to lift the restrict.”

On North Dakota’s interstates, the “rule of 85%” pace is 82 mph, in keeping with Paulson, citing testimony.

“Elevating the restrict causes slower site visitors to maneuver as much as the prevailing pace and brings a extra uniform site visitors circulate,” he advised the Senate.

The Senate handed the invoice with no dialogue past a query about DOT’s value to switch signage, which Paulson mentioned DOT might do inside its present finances.

Neighboring Montana and South Dakota every has an 80 mph interstate freeway pace restrict.

Burgum has not mentioned whether or not he’ll signal the invoice into legislation or veto it. His spokesman mentioned the governor typically doesn’t touch upon payments earlier than they attain his desk.