Bill seeks to eliminate speed limit restrictions for parts of 5 Freeway, Highway 99

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People driving on two busy California highways could drive as fast as they would like if a bill is passed.

State Senator John Moorlach's bill would eliminate limits on how fast people can drive on newly constructed and specially designated lanes of the 5 Freeway and Highway 99.

These are two key routes that connect northern and southern California. Moorlach is calling this a "viable alternative" to the sputtering high-speed rail project.

The senator said these lanes would decrease traffic congestion and as a result, decrease the emissions of greenhouse gases that cars and trucks cause.

Current law prohibits a person from driving on a state highway at a speed faster than 65.

Moorlach asked, "Why don't we provide people with vehicles the opportunity to drive at 100 miles an hour, and get to San Francisco in a shorter period of time than the train would?"

Others point out that this might increase the possibility of some very bad accidents.