Only a few months ago, we wrote about a new Texas law that allows state highways to increase their speed limits to 75 mph. Now, a toll road near Austin, Texas, allows motorists to drive 85 mph.
The toll road opened last week as an alternative to Interstate 35 between San Antonio and Austin. While it is a much-needed highway alternative, Texas personal injury lawyers and other safety advocates wonder: Is it safe?
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) seems to think so. It has declared that the road was designed for the 85 mph speed limit because it is both straight and travels through rural areas with less cross-traffic. Yet, some opponents argue that TxDOT speaks more from its pocket book than out of concern for drivers’ safety. This is because the company that funded the road – SH130 Concession Co. – said it would give the state $100 million if the speed was set at 85 mph (as compared to $67 million for an 80 mph speed limit).
