Take Our Poll: 70 mph Speed Limit on Turnpike?
State lawmakers might raise the Pennsylvania Turnpike speed limit to 70 miles per hour. Do you support the move?
State lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow the Turnpike Commission to raise the Pennsylvania Turnpike speed limit to 70 miles per hour.
The House Transportation Committee recently approved the measure, which would affect sections of both the Northeast Extension and the rest of the turnpike.
Supporters of the measure say the change makes sense because vehicles are safer and the turnpike is wider, flatter and straighter thanks to road improvements.
There is no timetable for when - or if - the bill will come to a vote. Turnpike officials say the speed limit change would not be made without additional study and would apply only to some portions of the road.
Because the highway runs right through Bensalem, we thought you would have an opinion.
Do you think the speed limit should be raised? Vote in our poll and add your comments below.
Jeff
8:57 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Absolutely raise it to 70. But I would rather see the Turnpike Commission eliminated and the highway opened up without tolls like the other interstate roads in the state. But that will never happen. Too many people lining their pockets their.
Eric S
11:33 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Of course it should be raised. We are fully capable of driving 70mph. But I'd also like to see more enforcement of driving laws in general. The roads wouldn't be nearly as dangerous if people didn't tailgate, run redlights/signs, and co-operated a bit better on the road. Getting a license is too easy and too many people are just about clueless. I think it would be a better idea if a state mandated (not run) driving program where in place for new drivers and those with too many tickets. $300-400 for a comprehensive driving program would benefit everyone in the long run. Less accidents and tickets means lower insurance rates.
chris m
7:49 am on Thursday, May 17, 2012
Raising the speed limit would be nice if everybody followed just one common rule. Left lane is for passing only ! No more of these people doing 55 in the speed lane ! If you get passed by somebody on the right move over. You should be ticketed for that. I see it way to often, one person poking along in the left lane and all traffic having to sneak around them on the right. I think that is more dangerous than the higher speed limit.
Lynette Dempsey
11:59 am on Thursday, May 17, 2012
People already drive 70mph on the turnpike. And 75mph. And 80mph. There are long stretches of boredom on the pike so a higher speed limit is welcome (although it's only a 5mph increase). Reading the comments above...I totally agree. It's amazing how many people use the left passing lane as a travel lane.
Kevin Quinn
9:18 am on Friday, May 18, 2012
I probably log more miles on the turnpike and on highways in general that most that will read this. As an outside salesmen covering 6 states I log over 30k a year. The average speed on the turnpike outside of the Philly area is already about 75mph. I agree that I would love to see left lane enforcement. I usually drive along at 72-75 as I cannot afford to get fired for speeding.
Thomas Hezel
1:55 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
I just drove to Tennessee for vacation and by far the worst road I drove on was the PA turnpike. the fact that I actually have to pay to drive on it is ridiculous. What are they doing with all that toll money? Not making the turnpike nice to drive. It's horrendous.