February 2, 2010

Gov. Bob McDonnell’s proposal to increase the speed limit in Virginia to 70 mph in rural and less populated areas was approved Tuesday by both chambers of the General Assembly.

The governor’s measure received broad bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. In the House, Del. Bill Carrico (R-Galax) carried the bill. Sen. Steve Newman (R-Lynchburg) patroned the bill in the Senate. Both bills are identical. Each bill must still be voted on by the other house prior to being sent to the governor’s desk for his signature.

“I thank Delegate Bill Carrico and Senator Steve Newman for their successful advocacy of this important proposal to speed up traffic in rural and less populated sections of Virginia," McDonnell said. "As today’s votes in both chambers demonstrate, there is broad bipartisan support for this common-sense idea. This slight increase in our speed limit will be safe for motorists and help get Virginians to their destinations a little quicker each day. This is an important early step towards our common goal of improving transportation in the Commonwealth.”

McDonnell said 32 states already have 70 mph speed limits, and 13 allow motorists to drive 75 mph.

“Increasing the speed limit to 70 mph on Virginia’s highways will help commuters get to their destinations more quickly and safely," Newman said. "Virginia now joins 33 other states that have increased their speed limits above 65 mph, and I applaud Governor McDonnell’s leadership on this issue.”

Carrico added, “I’m pleased that the bill to increase the speed limit on rural stretches of highway to 70 mph has passed both houses of the General Assembly. This is a common-sense reform that will make sure highway traffic moves at a more uniform speed on Virginia’s highways.”