Bill in the West Virginia Legislature Would Allow West Virginia Department of Transportation To Increase Speed Limits to 75 MPH; Changes on Interstate 70 Unlikely

The speed limit on selected interstate highways in West Virginia could be raised under a measure before the Legislature.

However, this isn't likely to speed things up on Interstate 70 in Ohio County, said Sen. Charles Clements, chairman of Senate Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

House Concurrent Resolution 32 would give secretary of the State Department of Transportation raise highway speed limits, "where appropriate," to 75 mph on interstate highways in West Virginia.

"This is only permissive, not mandatory" said Clements, R-Wetzel. "It does not require it to be done. (The secretary) is authorized to look into it."

He doesn't foresee a decision coming to raise the speed limit to 75 mph on I-70.

"I doubt it. It's pretty congested," Clements said. "They want it down to 60-65 mph coming down Two-Mile Hill. I don't think so."

HCR 32 passed the Senate Monday containing an amendment made in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Members eliminated a provision that also would have given the secretary of the State Department of Transportation authority to raise speed limits on the Appalachian Corridor highways to 70 mph.

"It was removed because there are crossings there that are pretty dangerous," Clements said. "It's like that in a lot of places."

The House accepted changes to the legislation Wednesday evening, and HCR 32 is now on to Gov. Jim Justice for signature.