4/4/06-Gov. Tim Kaine has signed a bill to raise the speed limit on an interstate in southeast Virginia.
Sponsored by Sen. Frank M. Ruff Jr., R-Mecklenburg, SB53 calls for increasing the speed limit on Interstate 85 from Petersburg to the North Carolina line from 65 mph to 70 mph for all vehicles. The new speed limit is expected to take effect July 1.
Lawmakers in the House refused to authorize a change offered by Delegate Bob Hull, D-Falls Church. Hull tried to add a provision to the bill while it was debated on the House floor that would’ve kept large trucks at the current 65 mph limit.
The Virginia Department of Transportation will have the final say on any changes to the speed limit.
Safety studies must be done to determine whether portions of the interstate in Virginia should maintain a 65 mph speed limit.

3/22/06-A bill awaiting Gov. Tim Kaine’s signature would raise the speed limit on Interstate 85 from Petersburg to the North Carolina line for all vehicles.
Sponsored by Sen. Frank M. Ruff Jr., R-Mecklenburg, SB53 would increase the speed limit from 65 mph to 70 mph.
The bill won approval 36-3 in the Senate and House lawmakers endorsed it 80-20. The votes cleared the way for the bill to move to the governor’s desk.
Lawmakers in the House refused to authorize a change offered by Delegate Bob Hull, D-Falls Church. Hull tried to add a provision to the bill while it was debated on the House floor that would’ve kept large trucks at the current 65 mph limit.
The Virginia Department of Transportation would have the final say on any changes to the speed limit.
Safety studies would need to be done to determine whether portions of the interstate in Virginia should have a lower speed limit if the overall limit is raised.
For bill status, call (804) 698-7410. In Virginia, call 1-888-892-6948.

2/22/06-The House Transportation Committee voted Feb. 21 to advance a bill that would raise the speed limit on Interstate 85 from Petersburg to the North Carolina line for all vehicles.
Sponsored by Sen. Frank M. Ruff Jr., R-Mecklenburg, SB53 would increase the speed limit from 65 mph to 70 mph.
The Virginia Department of Transportation would have the final say on any changes to the speed limit.
Safety studies would need to be done to determine whether portions of the interstate in Virginia should have a lower speed limit if the overall limit is raised.
SB53, which previously passed the Senate, now heads to the full House for consideration. If approved there, it would move to Gov. Tim Kaine’s desk.
For bill status, call (804) 698-7410. In Virginia, call 1-888-892-6948.

2/13/06-The Senate has overwhelmingly approved a bill that would raise the speed limit on Interstate 85 from Petersburg to the North Carolina line.
Sponsored by Sen. Frank M. Ruff Jr., R-Mecklenburg, SB53 would increase the speed limit from 65 mph to 70 mph for all vehicles vehicles.
The Virginia Department of Transportation would have the final say on any changes to the speed limit.
Safety studies would need to be done to determine whether portions of the interstate in Virginia should have a lower speed limit if the overall limit is raised.
The bill now heads to the House for further consideration. If approved there, it would move to Gov. Tim Kaine’s desk.
For bill status, call (804) 698-7410. In Virginia, call 1-888-892-6948.