Highway speeds increased

Lawmakers passed a bill April 11 that authorizes the state Department of Transportation to increase highway speed limits.

LB1009, introduced by Gretna Sen. John Murante, authorizes the department to increase the maximum speed limit from 60 mph to 65 mph on any four-lane divided highway that is not a part of the state highway system and any part of the state highway system other than an expressway or freeway.

Speeds will increase from 65 mph to 70 mph on expressways that are part of the state highway system and freeways that are a part of the state highway system but not part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways.

Finally, the maximum speed limit will be increased from 60 mph to 65 mph on any portion of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways located in Douglas, Lancaster and Dakota counties.

The bill passed on a 44-1 vote.