Ohio lawmakers clear rural 70 mph speeds, Turnpike plan

Ohio

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – A bill setting in motion Gov. John Kasich’s plan for a $1.5 billion Ohio Turnpike bond sale and increasing Ohio’s speed limit to 70 mph on rural interstate highways has cleared the state legislature.

The Ohio House passed the two-year transportation budget 63-28 on Thursday. Kasich is expected to sign it.

The measure allots more than $2.5 billion for each of the two years, plus money from the bond sale.

It guarantees 90 percent of Turnpike bond proceeds will go to northern Ohio projects. Toll rates would be capped on car trips by E-ZPass users of 30 miles or less for 10 years.

It sets the maximum speed limit for interstate freeway outerbelts in urban areas at 65 mph and on freeways in congested areas at 55 mph.