Ohio speed limit for trucks raised to 65 mph

COLUMBUS (AP) — A higher speed limit for trucks takes effect on Ohio interstate highways in 90 days under the transportation budget signed by Gov. Ted Strickland.

The budget also will let the state seek federal funds to launch passenger rail service connecting Ohio’s major cities.

The governor late Wednesday signed the two-year, nearly $10 billion budget hours after it passed the Ohio House and Senate. It contains about $2 billion in federal economic stimulus money for roads projects.

Trucks will be allowed to go 65 mph on the state’s interstates instead of 55 mph.

Strickland vetoed 13 items, including an effort to reduce a fee increase for oversize vehicles. Strickland says the fee increase balances the needs of the trucking industry with the need to maintain the state’s roads.