Gov. Inslee Vetoes Most of 75-MPH Speed Limit Bill – UPDATE

After passing the House and Senate by unanimous votes, Gov. Inslee is expected this week to sign off on a bill that will allow the State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to raise the speed limit on certain stretches of road to 75 mph. (NO NOT 200 - we just did that for fun in picture)

But before you think you'll be able to get from Richland to Kennewick that fast,  this will likely only apply to parts of Interstate 90 - at least for now.

The bill, originally sponsored by GOP Senator Joe Schmick of Colfax, would allow the WSDOT to evaluate stretches of highways where an increased speed limit would be "safe and appropriate."  Schmick himself mentioned stretches of I-90 between Ellensburg and Spokane as one area where it would be appropriate.

Opponents raised concerns about the increased gap between the 60 mph speed limit for trucks, and the increased 75 for cars. One Democratic legislator said speeding and impaired driving are the two leading causes of death in our state.  But Mark Liaas of Lynnwood was in the minority, and the bill sailed through the legislature.  Inslee is expected to sign it this week.

 UPDATE Wednesday, Gov. Inslee vetoed the portion of the bill that would allow WSDOT to begin raising speed limits on portions of Interstate and other highways.  Inslee kept the part of the bill that would do a feasibility study to determine which areas could be safely raised.