North Dakota lawmakers consider 80 MPH speed limits

A bill recently introduced by a North Dakota State Rep would increase the speed limit on some roadways.

Republican State Rep. Ben Koppelman recently introduced House Bill 1315, which would up speed from 75 m.p.h. to 80 m.p.h. on access-controlled, paved and divided, multilane interstate highways.

The bill would reportedly include funding for road upgrades such as barricades between lanes to improve safety along with the increased speed limit.

Koppelman points to other states with an 80 m.p.h. speed limit that have seen a reduction in traffic fatalities.

Koppelman believes that portions of I-29 and I-94 could quickly be converted to the new 80 m.p.h. speed limit.

The bill was referred to the Transportation Committee for consideration on January 11.