Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 1781
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. |
Brief Description: Adjusting the maximum speed limit for Interstate 90 in rural counties.
Sponsors: Representatives Schmick, Hayes, G. Hunt, Parker and Reykdal.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/12/15
Staff: Andrew Russell (786-7143).
Background:
Maximum Speed Limits.
Generally, the maximum speed limit on public streets, roads, and highways is set by statute: 25 miles per hour (mph) on city and town streets, 50 mph on county roads, and 60 mph on state highways. These limits may be increased or decreased by the Department of Transportation if an engineering and traffic investigation shows that a higher or lower maximum speed is reasonable and safe under the circumstances. Local authorities may also alter these general speed limits. The maximum speed limit on any state highway, however, may not be increased to greater than 70 mph. Additionally, vehicles with a gross weight of greater than 10,000 pounds may not exceed 60 mph.
State Highways.
A state highway is defined as every highway which has been designated as a state highway by legislative enactment. Chapter 47.17 RCW describes each route that has been designated as a state highway, including State Route 90, which is congruent with the portion of Interstate 90 that runs through Washington.
Rural Counties.
The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 82.14.370 directs the Office of Financial Management to provide annually a list of "rural counties" in the state. These counties are defined as having a population density of less than 100 persons per square mile or a county smaller than 225 square miles. There are 31 counties that meet that definition.
Summary of Bill:
The speed limit on the portions of Interstate 90 that run through a "rural county," as defined in RCW 82.14.370, must be set at 75 miles per hour. There are four rural counties in Washington through which a portion of Interstate 90 runs: Kittitas, Grant, Lincoln, and Adams.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.