Oregon will be increasing the speed limit for trucks after their Transportation Commission voted to do so on portions of several interstate highways, bumping the speed limit to 60 mph from 55 mph.
The new limit is expected to go into effect before the end of the year and applies to roads where the passenger vehicle speed limit is 65 mph. Oregon is one of seven states that does not have the same speed limits on interstate highways.
According to data, truckers were averaging 60 mph on these roads and officials say raising the limit will help improve overall traffic flow.
A report from Portland State University states new technologies, such as lane-departure warning, are improving safety. In addition, radar speed signs remind truck drivers to reduce speeds through work zones.
Specifically, the change covers Interstate 5 south of Portland, other than urban areas; Interstate 205 from the junction of I-5 to West Linn; and Interstate 84 from Troutdale to The Dalles.
In passenger vehicle news, the Transportation Commission lowered the limit for passenger vehicles on I-5 near Roseburg to 60 mph from 65. The truck speed limit in this area will remain 55 mph.
