The Oregon Department of Transportation is planning a series of public hearings on whether to raise speed limits on some of the state’s interstate highways.

Lawmakers in Oregon recently authorized higher speeds on some rural interstates, and put the transportation agency in charge of deciding where they were appropriate. The process was to include a detailed safety analysis. Speed limits for trucks would increase from 55 mph to 65 mph and for cars from 65 mph to 70 mph.

ODOT has said that the proposed increases will take effect only on interstate highways. Highways without an interstate highway route designation, such as state Route 207 or U.S. 97 will not be included in the proposal.

The actual increases have been put on hold until fall. Jay Remy, a spokesman for the Oregon Department of Transportation, told Land Line the delay was caused by a need for extra time to perform a more detailed analysis than originally envisioned. However, public hearings are still scheduled to continue.

The hearings currently scheduled are:

• Grants Pass, Aug. 23;
• Eugene, Aug. 24;
• Portland, Aug. 25;
• The Dalles, Aug. 26; and
• La Grande, Aug. 27.

For more information, contact Oregon Transportation Commission Secretary Jill Pearson at (503) 986-3450 or send e-mail to jill.l.pearson@odot.state.or.us. To provide comments online, visit www.odot.state.or.us/traffic/commentsspeed.htm.