Oregon's much anticipated speed limit increase might not become reality if Gov. John Kitzhaber follows through on a veto threat. The governor has until the end of the day Friday (Aug. 17) to sign or veto the bill.

SB502 authorizes the state Department of Transportation to raise the speed limit from 55 mph to 65 mph for trucks and from 65 to 70 mph for cars on rural stretches of Interstates 5 and 84.

A spokesman for the governor's office said the governor is concerned the legislature failed to provide for enough state troopers to patrol the roads.

Kitzhhaber is concerned the speed increase would encourage drivers to drive even faster making the roads more dangerous.

Oregon and Iowa are the only states west of the Mississippi River with speed limits below 70 mph.