ATA Hits Texas Toll Road’s Planned 85-mph Speed Limit

American Trucking Associations is urging Texas to reverse its decision to allow cars and trucks to travel up to 85 mph on a soon-to-open toll road between Austin and San Antonio.

The speed limit would be the highest on any highway in America.

“At the end of the day, excessive speed is the greatest threat to highway safety,” ATA President Bill Graves said in a statement.

“By giving motorists carte blanche to put the pedal to the metal, Texas is raising the risk of more crashes, as well as more severe crashes,” he said.

The new toll road, only partially open now, is set to completely open by Nov. 11. The 91-mile road is owned by Texas, but is being built by a private development consortium that will also operate it.

Graves said the Texas Transportation Commission should reverse its Aug. 30 decision to allow 85 mph for a 35-mile section of the toll road that runs from south of Austin to the town of Sequin.