Poll: Higher Turnpike Speed Limit?
State lawmakers might raise the Pennsylvania Turnpike speed limit to 70 miles per hour. Do you support the move?
State lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow the Turnpike Commission to raise the Pennsylvania Turnpike speed limit to 70 miles per hour.
The House Transportation Committee recently approved the measure, which would affect sections of both the Northeast Extension and the rest of the turnpike.
Supporters of the measure say the change makes sense because vehicles are safer and the turnpike is wider, flatter and straighter thanks to road improvements.
There is no timetable for when–or if–the bill will come to a vote. Turnpike officials say the speed limit change would not be made without additional study and would apply only to some portions of the road.
Do you think the speed limit should be raised? Vote in our poll and add your comments below.
Janet Dougherty
4:47 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
No no no no no. Dangerous move. Cars are not safer! Who made that up? Cars are like aluminum foil in an accident.
Mark Keefer
7:59 pm on Monday, June 4, 2012
They have have had 70 mph on parts of highways in the southern states for years. While I wouldn't recommend it in metropolitan areas where the Turnpike frequently turns into a parking lot or near exits where traffic is slowing to exit or cars are merging onto the highway, there is a lot of rural areas where the Turnpike is long expanses of straight road. I see no problem with 70mph on these long stretches of highway where there are no curves, bridges, cattle chutes and weather permitting. Reduce speed for inclement weather signs should also go up.