SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5252
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of January 25, 2011
Title: An act relating to streamlining the process applicable to reducing speed limits on state highways.
Brief Description: Streamlining the process applicable to reducing speed limits on state highways.
Sponsors: Senator Haugen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/24/11.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)
Background: Under current law, the Secretary of Transportation may reduce maximum speed limits on state highways upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation regarding the applicable stretch of highway. However, no timeline is specified in law regarding the completion of the investigation. An investigation may last a few weeks to a few months depending on weather conditions, staff availability, and coordination with the Washington State Patrol.
Summary of Bill: An engineering and traffic investigation regarding whether to reduce the maximum speed limit on a state highway must be completed within 30 days.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The Department of Transportation supports this bill generally, but would request a modification to allow for an additional 60-day period to conduct engineering and traffic investigations if good cause exists. Many components exist to an engineering and traffic investigation, including capturing existing speeds occurring at specific times, a comparison of speeds with comparable highways, a field review of roadway and roadside development, and a review of collisions at the location. All of these activities take time to complete. In some cases the review of existing speeds may have to wait a month or more because of seasonal traffic patterns, new roadway operating characteristics or weather constraints. Traffic operation reviews at collision locations or other traffic safety related concerns may compete with speed limit requests for top priority work.
Persons Testifying: PRO: John Nisbet, WSDOT.