State Unveils New Speed Limits

Here is a quick look at Washington’s new speed limit plan, which state officials announced Wednesday:

Q. Which freeways are affected?

A. Interstate 5 from border to border, I-90 from Seattle to Idaho border, I-405 from Tukwila to Lynnwood, I-82 from Ellensburg to the Oregon border, I-205 in Clark County and I-182 in the Tri-Cities.

Q. What are the new limits?

A. In urban areas, the 55 mph will go to 60. In more rural stretches, the current 65 will go to 70. In a few areas, no more than 28 miles total statewide, 55 will jump to 70, so watch for signs.

Q. When will they go into effect?

A. State Transportation Secretary Sid Morrison said the public will have until March 1 to comment on the plan. A final decision will be made a week later and new freeway speed signs will go up by mid-March.

Q. What about trucks?

A. The upper limit stays at 60.

A. All told, 760. This includes 542 miles going from 65 to 70; 190 miles changing from 55 to 60; and 28 miles going from 55 to 70.Q. What about other highways?

A. State officials are studying many other roads and will announce higher speeds later this year.

Q. What does the plan mean for safety?

A. Officials insist there should be no increase in collisions or fatalities.

A. The state calculates a 1 percent increase in vehicle emissions.Q. What are the other Western states doing?

A. Montana has no daylight speed limit. Oregon and Idaho lawmakers are discussing changes. Wyoming, Nevada and Utah have raised limits to 75.