FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: March 17, 2017
Time Requested: 03:11 PM
Agency: Highways, Division of
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
3034 Introduced HCR75
CBD Subject: Roads and Transportation


FUND(S):



Sources of Revenue:

Other Fund State Road Fund

Legislation creates:

Neither Program nor Fund



Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


The following is provided with respect to the proposed HCR75 which requests the Commissioner to increase the speed limit on Interstates to 75 MPH where appropriate. • We estimate there are approximately 225 70MPH speed limit signs on the Interstate system including the WV Turnpike • While DOH would perform speed studies and review any limiting geometry, for purposes of an estimate, we are assuming that all speed limit signs would be changed and that any curves needing advisory speed limits (65 MPH) would be signed with curve warning and potentially chevrons. Chevrons would also be required for an existing curves with advisory speeds of 60 MPH. • We estimate approximately 76 curves that would require additional signing, assuming curve warning, advisory and chevrons (assume 8 per curve). • Curve warning/chevrons are all new installations and would require signs and supports. Speed limits would only require changing out the sign on existing supports. • It is estimated that materials, labor and equipment would cost approximately $113,000.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2017
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2018
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 113,000 0
Personal Services 0 0 0
Current Expenses 0 0 0
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 0 0


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):


See Fiscal Note Summary above.



Memorandum


This will require well over 650 new installations and over 200 existing sign modifications. There are concerns from a safety perspective should this resolution be adopted. West Virginia has experienced a 37.5 percent reduction in fatalities since 2007 when it began implementation of its Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP). No significant portion of this reduction has occurred on the Interstate system. There is concern that fatal and severe crashes may increase with an increased speed limit. An April 2016 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study indicates between 1993 and 2013 that, “a 5 mph increase in the maximum state speed limit was associated with an 8% increase in fatality rates on interstates and freeways and a 4% increase on other roads.”



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Lorrie Hodges
    Email Address: lorrie.a.hodges@wv.gov