4/2/09-Gov. Ted Strickland signed a two-year, $9.6 billion transportation budget Wednesday, April 1. The bill includes a provision that does away with split speed limits on interstates as of July 1.
After days of intense negotiations, Senate Republicans and House Democrats meeting in a conference committee were able to work out their differences on the transportation plan. The full House and Senate approved the budget earlier in the day setting the stage for Strickland to sign it into law.
Among the changes endorsed by lawmakers is the elimination of the provision in Ohio law that set up a slower speed on interstates for vehicles with a gross weight of more than 8,000 pounds. Speed limits on other roadways will remain unchanged.
Currently, large vehicles are required to travel 55 mph – 10 mph below the 65 mph limit for other vehicles. With the bill’s passage, all vehicles traveling on interstates soon will be cleared to drive 65 mph.
Left off the final version were provisions to authorize speed cameras in construction zones and permitting police to pull over drivers for not buckling up.
Among the provisions impacted by line item vetoes issued by Strickland was an effort to prohibit overweight and overdimension permit fee increases from taking effect July 1.
“This provision deprives the Department of revenues that are necessary to maintain operations and preserve the Ohio transportation system. Therefore, this veto is in the public interest,” Strickland said in a veto statement.
Also removed from the budget was a provision establishing a diesel emission reduction grant program accessing funds from the Federal Highway Administration. The governor said the provision would negatively affect the Ohio Department of Transportation’s operations because it diverts a large portion of available flexible funding to specific purposes.
Instead, Strickland directed ODOT to dedicate $5 million toward a diesel emissions reduction program “for purposes consistent with the intent of the legislation.” He said the funding will provide assistance to small businesses and “disadvantaged business enterprises.”

3/31/09-A conference committee made up of select members of the House and Senate reached a deal Monday, March 30, on a two-year, $9.6 billion transportation budget. For truckers, the most notable provision in the bill would do away with split speed limits on interstates.
After days of intense negotiations, Senate Republicans and House Democrats were able to work out their differences on the transportation plan. The full House and Senate are expected to vote on the budget today, March 31, and Gov. Ted Strickland plans to sign it.
One change that made it through the negotiation process was inclusion of an amendment to eliminate the provision in Ohio law that set up a slower speed on interstates for vehicles with a gross weight of more than 8,000 pounds. Speed limits on other roadways would be unchanged.
Currently, large vehicles are required to travel 55 mph – 10 mph below the 65 mph limit for other vehicles. All vehicles traveling on interstates could drive 65 mph.
Left off the final version were House provisions to authorize speed cameras in construction zones and permitting police to pull over drivers for not buckling up. Senate Republicans balked at their inclusion.
Also left out of the bill were provisions allowing local governments to set up authorities that would build new roads and lanes and charge drivers tolls for using them.

3/19/09-The Senate approved the $7.6 billion state transportation budget – HB2 – Wednesday, March 18, after inserting an amendment to eliminate the provision in Ohio law that set up a slower speed for vehicles with a gross weight of more than 8,000 pounds.
House lawmakers already approved its version of the budget, which now is expected to go to conference committee made up of select members of both chambers to work out their differences.
Currently, large vehicles are required to travel 55 mph – 10 mph below the 65 mph limit for other vehicles. All vehicles could drive 65 mph.
For bill status, call 614-466-3357. In Ohio, call 800-282-0253.