Possible lowered speed limit (new law)

Beginning Aug. 1, 2009, speed limits on some roads could drop by as much as 20 mph.

A new law will change the speed limit to 35 mph along rural residential districts where visible homes are spaced 300 feet or less for a distance of at least one-quarter mile along those roads, if adopted by the local road authority.

The change comes from a speed limit study task force formed by the Department of Transportation. It addresses areas that used to be primarily rural and are still posted at 55 mph. Because these areas are now developed, the speed is deemed to be too fast.

Sponsored by Rep. Peggy Scott (R-Andover) and Sen. Lisa Fobbe (DFL-Zimmerman), the law also narrows the definition of a “residential roadway” and clarifies that an “urban district” can be on a city street or town road.

It was signed May 9 by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

HF1421/SF1467*/CH56