Ohio gov signs speed limit increases into law

Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The speed limit on most of Ohio’s interstate highways will rise to 70 mph beginning July 1 under a new law signed by Gov. John Kasich (KAY’-sik).

The Republican governor signed the transportation budget bill containing the higher speed limit for rural stretches of interstate during a Monday event in Warrensville Heights, near Cleveland.

The two-year budget measure also sets in motion a $1.5 billion Ohio Turnpike bond sale that guarantees 90 percent of bond proceeds will go to northern Ohio projects. Toll rates would be capped on E-ZPass users’ car trips of 30 miles or less for 10 years.

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