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Texas Toll Road Could Have 85MPH Speed Limit

Speed Limit
(credit: Rick Scibelli/Getty Images)

NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) - A new toll road, running from San Antonio to Austin, is set to soon open. While that may not be surprising, especially in Texas, the speed drivers may be allowed to travel has people talking.

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials are reportedly considering an 85 mph speed limit along State Highway 130.

If approved, the 41-mile long toll road would have the highest speed limit in the state.

The proposed increase was made possible when the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1201, last year. The bill allows TxDOT to establish speeds of up to 85 mph on certain highways. The previous maximum speed limit in Texas was 80 mph.

TxDOT officials say they're studying several safety factors in State Highway 130 in considering the speed limit increase.

The legislature considered and approved several laws concerning speed limits last year. Bills passed included one eliminating slower nighttime speeds on most highways and another allowing for highway speeds of 75 mph, up from 70 mph, on most non-urban state highways.

As of March 2012 there were more than 3,000 miles of Texas road zoned at 75 mph or higher, and 575 miles posted at 80 mph.

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