Texas stands to receive $100 million from the private operators of a state toll road for raising its speed limit to 85 miles per hour, a contractual payoff that is drawing criticism from consumer groups.

The Texas Transportation Commission voted Aug. 30 to bump up the limit for a 41-mile portion of the 91-mile toll road between Austin and San Antonio, making it the fastest stretch of highway in the U.S.

Some rural roads in Texas and Utah permit speeds up to 80 mph, and motorists on German autobahns average 84 mph.