CHEYENNE — The Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee on Feb. 27 advanced changes to state speed‑limit statute affecting unpaved roads, giving counties more discretion to set maximum limits between the statutory baseline and 55 miles per hour without a formal speed study.

Talise Hanson presented bill draft 25LSO0256, which would limit the Department of Transportation’s rulemaking authority requiring a speed study before a local authority establishes a maximum speed for unpaved roads. The draft originally proposed that local authorities could set a maximum not less than 45 mph and not more than 55 mph without a speed study.

YDOT director Darren Westby and chief engineer Mark Gillette urged care in rewriting the relationship between statute and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) guidance, emphasizing safety and consistency across jurisdictions. Gillette noted speed studies exist to ensure posted speeds reflect typical driver behavior and to maintain predictable driving conditions at county lines.

Members debated local control versus statewide consistency. Several members, citing remote county roads and local knowledge, argued counties should have latitude to choose the appropriate speed limit for their roads without the time or cost of a study, while others stressed that removing study requirements could cause inconsistent signage and safety issues.

County commissioners told the committee that many counties want authority to lower speeds locally (some proposed as low as 35 mph) and that the cost and timing of speed studies is a practical concern. After debate, the committee amended the draft so local authorities may set maximum speed limits up to 55 mph for unpaved roads without conducting a speed study; limits above 55 mph would still require a study.

The bill passed on recorded roll call as amended (11 yeas, 3 nays). Committee members instructed staff to refine statutory language and to coordinate with county engineers to preserve safety standards and to clarify when a professional engineer‑approved speed study remains required.

Representative quotes:
“The reason that the MUTCD exists is so that there is consistency across the country,” Mark Gillette, YDOT chief engineer, said, adding that studies help preserve predictable driver behavior across jurisdictional boundaries.

Ending: 25LSO0256 advances as amended; staff will provide refined statutory text and work with YDOT and county engineers on implementation guidance.