65-M.P.H. California Limit Certain to Pass, Katz Says

The chairman of the Assembly Transportation Committee on Friday predicted easy passage of a bill to increase the speed limit from 55 m.p.h. to 65 m.p.h. on 1,205 miles of California rural interstate freeways if and when President Reagan signs the federal enabling legislation.

“There’s no doubt that it will pass here,” said Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sepulveda). “We haven’t seen any opposition yet, and I don’t anticipate any problems. I also can assure you that there will be no unnecessary delays.”

Increase Favored

Katz’s bill is set for an April 1 hearing in his committee.

The state Legislature, Gov. George Deukmejian and the California Highway Patrol already are on record as favoring the increased speed limit for rural freeways.

The CHP has recommended that the limit be raised on these rural highways:

--542.6 miles of Interstate 5 between the Oregon border and a point a few miles south of Bakersfield.

--155.5 miles of Interstate 10 between San Bernardino and the Arizona state line.

--154.6 miles of Interstate 40 between Barstow and the Arizona state line.

--148.6 miles of Interstate 8 between San Diego and the Arizona state line.

--124.7 miles of Interstate 15 between San Bernardino and Baker.

--33 miles of Interstate 505 between Vacaville and Zamora.

--30.9 miles of Interstate 580 between Livermore and Interstate 5.

--14.9 miles of Interstate 205 near Tracy.

A Katz resolution asking Congress to allow the states to increase the speed limit to 65 m.p.h. on rural freeways previously passed the Assembly and Senate, 67 to 5 and 28 to 0, respectively.