9/29/03-Gov. Ted Kulongoski has signed legislation clearing the way for increased speed limits on Oregon’s freeways.
The speed limit measure, which takes effect Jan. 1, allows the Oregon Transportation Department to raise the speed limit on certain sections of rural interstates to 65 mph for trucks and 70 mph for cars. Those limits are currently 55 and 65, respectively.
The bill’s passage doesn’t guarantee higher speeds.
“It should be made clear to the public that the legislation itself requires that speeds can be raised only if engineering and traffic investigation indicates that a speed increase is reasonable and safe,” Gov. Kulongoski wrote in a letter to Oregon Transportation Commission Chair Stuart Foster after signing the bill Sept. 26. “In other words, HB2661 mandates that speeds be increased only if objective evidence exists that an increase is reasonable and safe.”
The new law also allows the department to change freeway speeds in urban areas, where the limit now is 55 mph.

9/3/03-Drivers in Oregon might soon be able to drive a little faster under a bill given final approval by lawmakers Aug. 22.
The measure would allow the Oregon Transportation Department to raise the speed limit on certain sections of rural interstates to 65 mph for trucks and 70 mph for cars. Those limits are currently 55 and 65, respectively.
HB2661, sponsored by Rep. Mitch Greenlick, D-Portland, narrowly passed the Senate 16-14 after blowing through the House 46-13. It now heads to Gov. Ted Kulongoski.
The bill’s passage would not guarantee higher speeds.
Under the bill, a community would have to request that ODOT conduct a study. If the agency determined it would be safe to increase the speed on a specific stretch of highway, the state could do so.
The bill would not affect the 55 mph limit on interstates in Portland, Salem, Eugene and other urban areas.
For bill status, call 1-800-332-2313. In Salem, call (503) 986-1180.

8/20/03-A bill that would raise speed limits on Oregon’s rural interstate highways has been approved by the House.
HB2661 would allow some speed limits to be raised for cars from 65 mph to 70 mph. And while the speed limit would still be split, trucks would be able to travel at 65 mph on some roads, rather than the current 55 mph.
However, before speed limits can be raised, the state’s Department of Transportation must conduct studies to determine whether the new speed is safe.
The bill had been approved previously by both the House and Senate, but was amended by both. After receiving a conference committee report, the House voted in favor of the measure 46-13.
The Senate may vote on HB2661 in the next few days.