AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SPEED RESTRICTIONS.

At the time the Federal Government lifted the 55 mph speed restriction on State highways, Delaware's Secretary of Transportation at the encouragement of a few individuals and without any opportunity for public discussion revised the speed on I-495 from 55 mph to 65 mph for a portion of the road. In October 2000, it was publicized that the effect of the 55 mph to 65 mph speed increase resulted in an amount of additional nitrogen oxides (one of the key pollutants that has put Delaware in a non-compliance position with the Federal Clean air Act) greater than the quantity of nitrogen oxides produced from the refinery in Marcus Hook/Claymont, Delaware for a similar time period. Further, the increased speed has resulted in a noticeable increase in noise along the I-495 corridor. When the Department of Transportation did sound testing along I-95, I-295, and I-495, the greatest noise levels were recorded on the I-495 area. Finally, a review of accident data and deaths on I-95 and I-495 Interstate highways reveals a dramatic increase in highway deaths on I-495 since the speed was increased. The consequence of this legislation is to return the posted speed on the permanent highway speed signs to 55 mph.