Speed Limit to go up Along Utah’s Wasatch Front

The Utah Department of Transportation is moving ahead with plans to raise freeway speed limits along the Wasatch Front from 65 mph to 70 mph.

UDOT officials say while they’re seeking comment from affected cities and counties, they expect the increase to go into effect sometime in December.

They say they’re merely adjusting the speed limit to match drivers’ existing speeds.

The Utah Highway Patrol and AAA insurance company oppose the increase and hope the department will reconsider the matter.

The highway patrol says the speed limit should not be raised because it has handled 20 percent more fatal accidents this year than last year.

The Legislature this year passed a bill to allow UDOT to study speeds in Utah’s interstate highway system and raise them where appropriate.