Committee OKs bill letting local authorities set speed limits on unpaved roads without a speed study
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CHEYENNE — The Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday voted 4‑1 to advance Senate File 32, a bill that would allow local authorities to set maximum speed limits on unpaved roads without first conducting a formal engineering speed study.
Why it matters: Counties maintain thousands of miles of unpaved road in Wyoming and county officials said mandatory speed studies are costly and time consuming. Proponents said giving county commissioners and local authorities discretion will let them respond rapidly to changing road conditions. Opponents urged caution and said engineering studies are important to ensure safety and to manage liability.
Department of Transportation Chief Engineer Mark Gillette summarized the bill and told the committee the main change is that “the Department shall not promulgate rules that require [a] speed study before a local authority establishes a maximum speed limit for unpaved roads,” and that local jurisdictions could set limits up to 55 miles per hour for unpaved roadways under the cited statutory section.
Jonathan Russell, policy analyst for the Wyoming County Commissioners Association, told the committee counties maintain more than 15,000 miles of unpaved roads and that many county engineers apply “engineering judgment” based on local knowledge when setting limits. He said the intent of the bill was to allow counties to increase or decrease speed limits — up to 55 mph — without the expense of a formal study.
Committee members asked about liability and whether the measure would apply to all unpaved surfaces, including two‑track roads. Russell said the measure is optional for counties and that the association recommended support but would finalize its position at an upcoming membership vote.
Committee action: The committee approved the bill on a 4‑1 roll call. Senator Brennan voted no, stating she preferred to require studies before changing speed limits; the other members voted to advance the bill. Chairman Stephan Pappas asked Senator Kolb to carry the bill to the Senate floor.
What’s next: If enacted, YDOT will be required to adjust rules to allow this local authority. Counties and local jurisdictions will have the option — but not the mandate — to set maximum speed limits on unpaved roads without performing an engineering speed study.
Why it matters: Counties maintain thousands of miles of unpaved road in Wyoming and county officials said mandatory speed studies are costly and time consuming. Proponents said giving county commissioners and local authorities discretion will let them respond rapidly to changing road conditions. Opponents urged caution and said engineering studies are important to ensure safety and to manage liability.
Department of Transportation Chief Engineer Mark Gillette summarized the bill and told the committee the main change is that “the Department shall not promulgate rules that require [a] speed study before a local authority establishes a maximum speed limit for unpaved roads,” and that local jurisdictions could set limits up to 55 miles per hour for unpaved roadways under the cited statutory section.
Jonathan Russell, policy analyst for the Wyoming County Commissioners Association, told the committee counties maintain more than 15,000 miles of unpaved roads and that many county engineers apply “engineering judgment” based on local knowledge when setting limits. He said the intent of the bill was to allow counties to increase or decrease speed limits — up to 55 mph — without the expense of a formal study.
Committee members asked about liability and whether the measure would apply to all unpaved surfaces, including two‑track roads. Russell said the measure is optional for counties and that the association recommended support but would finalize its position at an upcoming membership vote.
Committee action: The committee approved the bill on a 4‑1 roll call. Senator Brennan voted no, stating she preferred to require studies before changing speed limits; the other members voted to advance the bill. Chairman Stephan Pappas asked Senator Kolb to carry the bill to the Senate floor.
What’s next: If enacted, YDOT will be required to adjust rules to allow this local authority. Counties and local jurisdictions will have the option — but not the mandate — to set maximum speed limits on unpaved roads without performing an engineering speed study.
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