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Grand Forks lawmaker wants to raise Insterstate highway speed limit to 80

The 2017 Legislature will consider raising the speed limit on Interstates 29 and 94 to 80 mph.

That limit is currently 75 mph.

"South Dakota has it," said Sem. Lonnie Laffen (R-Grand Forks), the author of a bill that's been introduced. "Montana has it. Everybody drives that speed anyway."

Laffen said the Interstates were designed for faster speeds. And he said the newer vehicles have added safety features to allow the faster speed.

"Increased speed helps us get our work done," Laffen said. "We have a lot of miles to cover."

Laffen said he’s checked with surrounding states – and he has found no evidence that higher speeds lead to more accidents.

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