Tennessee May Expand Lower Truck Speed Limits
ruckers in central Tennessee may see their speed limits lowered to 55 miles per hour, 10 mph below a 65-mph speed limit that would be set for automobiles, the Nashville Tennessean reported.
Reduced speed limits are set to take effect this summer in Shelby County, where Memphis is located, according to the state's transportation department.
In February the department lowered speed limits for trucks to 55 mph in an effort to lower emissions.
Davidson County has about 90 miles of interstate highway, 40% of which is now posted at 70 mph and about 25% at 65 mph for all traffic, the paper said. The rest is posted at 55 mph.
Backers of the move say lowered speed limits for big rigs could improve air quality and safety, but the state’s trucking association said requiring trucks to run slower than cars could make highways less safe, the paper reported.
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