Reduction in Minimum Highway Design Speed Standards

Number: 1977-19

WHEREAS, the nationwide speed limit of 55 mph is an important energy conservation and safety measure; and

WHEREAS, design standards for limited access highways adopted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) do not reflect a reduction from the previous 70 mph speed limit; and

WHEREAS, FHWA continued to participate in and financially support state design speeds in excess of FHWA minimums; and

WHEREAS, these excessive design standards encourage higher speeds and energy waste; and

WHEREAS, these excessive design speeds necessitate increased costs, including construction costs, land consumption, lost agricultural production, and lost recreation resources.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 24-27, 1977, in Washington, D.C., hereby supports a reduction in minimum highway design speed standards to reflect a permanent 55 mph speed limit, and urges the Federal Highway Administration to deny federal construction monies to states for highway projects exceeding those design speed standards.