Lawmakers Agree on Measure to End National Speed Limit

Congressional negotiators have worked out a final agreement on a highway bill that would end the national speed limit and free more than $6 billion for state road programs, lawmakers said Wednesday.

The bill also would repeal several other federal mandates and penalties involving motorcycle helmet laws, metric signs and use of recycled rubber crumbs in highways.

The compromise bill worked out by House and Senate negotiators would designate a new National Highway System of 161,000 miles made up of the interstate system and other important highways.

The compromise, which is expected to get quick approval by the full House and Senate, would give $6.5 billion to the states for highway construction.

But the main interest in the bill has been whether it would end federal speed limits--55 m.p.h. on most roads and 65 m.p.h. on rural interstates. The limits have been unpopular, although they have been credited with reducing highway fatalities.

A 55-m.p.h. limit was imposed nationwide in 1974 after a foreign oil embargo created a serious gasoline shortage. Congress later let states raise the limit to 65 m.p.h. on rural interstates.

Under the compromise, the states would have the authority to set speed limits, and several lawmakers urged state governors to keep limits at a safe level.

The White House has expressed reservations about ending the national limits, but Sen. John Warner (R-Va.) said the Transportation Department had assured him that it would seek President Clinton’s support of the compromise.