Utah Keeps 80-MPH Speed Limit on I-15 Stretches

Two sections of Interstate 15 in southern Utah will remain 80-mph zones permanently, the Associated Press reported, citing state officials.

The Utah Department of Transportation also is considering additional 80-mph zones around the state, AP reported.

The department created the two test zones three years ago near Fillmore, and officials said that since then, accidents in the area decreased by 11% in one section and 20% in the other.

UDOT has two other 80-mph test areas, near Beaver and Parowan, and if the downward trend in accidents continues, the agency will move to make those 80-mph limits permanent in 2014, AP said.

American Trucking Associations said earlier this month it opposed an 85-mph speed limit planned for a stretch of a new toll road in Texas.