Bill would raise speed limit on 55 mph roads to 60 mph

Roads currently posted with a 55 mph speed limit would be increased to 60 mph under a bill being discussed in the Minnesota Senate.

Members of the Senate Transportation Committee held a hearing on the bill Tuesday but they did not take a vote.

Sen. Leroy Stumpf, DFL-Thief River Falls, said his bill would establish a speed limit that reflects the actual speed most motorists are driving, especially on two-lane highways in rural Minnesota.

"It's kind of like confession. This committee could wipe away all that guilt across the state of Minnesota," Stumpf said.

State and country transportation officials spoke against the bill. They said the speed limit increase would apply to too many roadways, and would result in more crashes and fatalities. The committee tabled the bill.