Ohio Transportation Law Will Raise Speed Limit to 70 MPH

Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) signed a two-year, $7.6 billion transportation measure into law that will raise the top speed limit on the state’s interstate highways to 70 mph, news reports said.

The higher speed limit on interstates, which will take effect July 1, will be for areas outside of metropolitan regions, the Associated Press reported.

The maximum speed limit for freeway outer belts in urban areas will be 65 mph and freeways in congested areas will be capped at 55 mph, AP said.

The measure also allows for a $1.5 billion Ohio Turnpike bond sale that guarantees 90% of bond proceeds will go to northern Ohio projects, the Columbus Dispatch reported.

Kasich said the sale against the 241-mile turnpike will generate $3 billion for road projects, the Dispatch reported.

The measure also will supply about $4 billion in state and federal funds for road and bridge projects, mostly through fuel taxes, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported.