Lawmaker Wants To Increase Speed Limit On Pa. Turnpike

May 14, 2012 9:53 PM

(Credit: KDKA)

Reporting Trina Orlando

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Local, News, Politics, Syndicated Local

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A local state lawmaker wants to increase the speed limit on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

The House transportation committee has approved a bill that would allow the Turnpike Commission to raise the speed limit to 70 mph.

“All I am doing is giving the Turnpike Commission permission to be able to raise the limits if they so choose, but they have to review it after a year,” State Rep. Joseph Preston, Jr., D-East Liberty, said.

The current speed limit for most parts of the turnpike is 65 mph. The increase would only apply to parts of the highway that are structurally capable of handling the speed without compromising safety.

“I think it’s great because to me it’s safer because everybody’s going to do more than the posted speed limit,” Carolyn Welch said.

The bill needs to pass a full vote in the House and the Senate and get the governor’s approval. If all of that happens, it would be next year before we see the new speed limit posted.

“I guess it’s good for some, but as far as I’m concerned, I’ll leave ahead of time and I don’t have to rush to get where I’m going,” Edna Jones said.