A sign of spring: The 35E speed-limit bill

I was growing somewhat concerned earlier today when I noted that one year ago on this date, Republican lawmakers filed a bill to raise the speed limit on I-35E in Saint Paul from its current 45 mph.

No need to go into much background here. You just have to read the post I filed last year.

Instead, I was concerned the bill hadn’t made its annual appearance at the Capitol. There are traditions and history here: The crocuses bloom, the smoke turns white when a pope is elected, and the I-35E speed limit bill is filed at the Capitol.

Be concerned no more! The bill was filed today.

Subd. 5g. Interstate Highway 35E. The commissioner shall designate the maximum speed limit on marked Interstate Highway 35E in the city of St. Paul, from its intersection with West Seventh Street to its intersection with marked Interstate Highway 94, as 50 miles per hour. Any speed in excess of the speed designated in this subdivision is unlawful.

EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective on the date the commissioner erects appropriate signs designating the speed limit, which must occur on or before August

1.

As history and tradition also dictates, it is doomed.