State Representative Matthew Barrett (58th District, Amherst, OH) has drafted a bill relating to speed limits in townships. The bill would allow township trustees to reduce the speed limit, at their will, depending on the type of road.
Three tiers would be established. First, unimproved highways, with the intention of including Chip-and-Seal, could be reduced to a 35 mph zone at the discretion of the township trustees. Second, paved highways less than 18 feet wide could be reduced to a 45 mph zone, again without engineering study and at the direction of the township trustees. The third tier, or improved highways over 18 feet wide, would fall under the current system of speed limits of 55 mph reduced through engineering and traffic investigation.
Representative Barrett has asked Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) members to provide him with any comments you might have on this bill prior to his introducing it. To voice your comments or arrange a meeting with Representative Barrett, contact Jennifer Koperdak of his office at (614) 466-9628 or (800) 282-0253.
If you would like a copy of the 20 page bill draft contact the Ohio AgriBusiness Office at (614) 326-7520.