A proposal to increase Ohio's speed limit to 70 mph on rural interstate highways has cleared the state Senate.

Wednesday's 27-6 vote comes after a legislative panel worked out differences between House and Senate versions of the transportation bill.

Under the measure, Ohio's transportation department would set the maximum speed limit for interstate freeway outerbelts in urban areas at 65 mph and on freeways in congested areas at 55 mph.

The bill also sets in motion Gov. John Kasich's plan for a $1.5 billion Ohio Turnpike bond sale that would raise money for highway and bridge projects.

A compromise provision guarantees that 90 percent of the turnpike bond sale would go to northern Ohio projects.

The measure now heads to the House for its likely passage on Thursday.