2-19-15 speed limit bill

A bill aimed at increasing the speed limit on Wisconsin highways is cruising through the Capitol.  Rep. Paul Tittl, a Manitowoc Republican, says the bill allows the Department of Transportation to increase speed limits to 70 miles per hour in approved areas. The top speed limit in the state is currently 65 miles per hour.  The bill faced little opposition at an Assembly transportation committee hearing Tuesday. DOT representatives say they would likely raise the speed limit on rural freeways and expressways. They would test individual roads to determine which sections could accommodate increased limits.  Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s captain Rick Olig says an increased speed limit could lead to more accidents.  “The concern is now when you are on the highway people are already going 70,75, 80 or even more,”  Olig told WFDL news.  “Now that its 70 does that mean they feel they can go 80 without getting a citation?”   Rep. John Spiros, a Marshfield Republican, proposed an amendment that would allow the DOT to set a lower speed limit for commercial vehicles.  The committee is expected to vote on the bill next month.