In The News

Ohio Turnpike increases speed limit to 70 mph

CLEVELAND — The Ohio Turnpike's higher speed limit has taken effect, allowing drivers to zip along at 70 mph.

The Turnpike Commission had voted to raise the speed limit from 65 mph in a move that proponents say could boost safety and business on the 241-mile toll road. The panel hopes large trucks will be lured back to the turnpike instead of traveling on smaller parallel roadways that were not designed for them.

The change took effect Friday.

Critics including the Ohio Trucking Association and the head of the state Highway Patrol's turnpike operation say they're worried the higher speed limit will lead to more injuries and deaths in crashes.

Highway Patrol Capt. Chris Zurcher tells The Plain Dealer newspaper that drivers can expect to see aggressive enforcement of the new limit.

Kevin Jones of The Trucker staff can be reached for comment at [email protected] .

www.theTrucker.com