Cassis introduces bill to protect residents living on gravel roads
Thursday, November 05, 2009
LANSING—State Sen. Nancy Cassis introduced bipartisan legislation in the Michigan Senate today to protect residents by allowing local officials to retain lower speed limits on certain dirt and gravel roads.
“My bill addresses a very serious issue for parts of the state that have gravel roads,” said Cassis, R-Novi. “The health, safety and welfare of residents living along these roads are at stake.”
Senate Bill 977, sponsored by Cassis, would allow a gravel road speed limit posted prior to Nov. 9, 2006 to remain in effect until a city, village council or township board requests that the County Road Commission change the speed limit.
“We must ensure the safety of those who live on gravel roads – especially the children,” Cassis said. “It is a mistake to assume that all gravel roads can handle faster speeds. That is why I have introduced this legislation to give the local government officials a say on the speed limits in their communities. They know their roads better than anyone.”
The reform is necessary because of Public Act 85 of 2006, which forced speed limits on gravel roads to be increased from 25 mph to 55 mph without any recourse for residents living on those roads. Cassis introduced SB 117 in 2007 to address the issue. That bill was approved by the Senate two years ago and passed by the House Transportation Committee before it died in the full House.
“Gravel roads are used not only for driving, but also as school bus stops for children and for walking and riding horses,” Cassis said. “Many Oakland County residents have expressed concerns that the increased speed limits have created a potentially dangerous environment for their families.”
Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, and Sen. Deborah Cherry, D-Burton, are co-sponsors of SB 977.
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