Pennsylvania

[Ketchup99]

Perhaps, but remember PA cannot legally post 60, and I can't really see 65 ever being posted on much of the Schuylkill. Not saying it shouldn't be, but that's not even imaginable.

Although such was a Work-Zone Speed Limit but I did see some Speed Limit 60 signs along I-99's current work zones.  The regular speed limit there is 70.

The above was the first time I've seen a SPEED LIMIT 60 sign in PA.

Recently? Where?

[Crown Victoria]

Perhaps, but remember PA cannot legally post 60, and I can't really see 65 ever being posted on much of the Schuylkill. Not saying it shouldn't be, but that's not even imaginable.

Although such was a Work-Zone Speed Limit but I did see some Speed Limit 60 signs along I-99's current work zones.  The regular speed limit there is 70.

The above was the first time I've seen a SPEED LIMIT 60 sign in PA.

Recently? Where?

I can also attest to seeing a Work Zone Speed Limit 60 sign recently here in PA. I also don't remember exactly where, but I think it was either I-78 or the PA Turnpike out by Somerset.

[74/171FAN]

PennDOT - District 6 News: Township Line Road to Close at U.S. 202 (Dekalb Pike) for Construction in Whitpain, Lower Gwynedd Townships

[MASTERNC]

Perhaps, but remember PA cannot legally post 60, and I can't really see 65 ever being posted on much of the Schuylkill. Not saying it shouldn't be, but that's not even imaginable.

Although such was a Work-Zone Speed Limit but I did see some Speed Limit 60 signs along I-99's current work zones.  The regular speed limit there is 70.

The above was the first time I've seen a SPEED LIMIT 60 sign in PA.

Recently? Where?

I can also attest to seeing a Work Zone Speed Limit 60 sign recently here in PA. I also don't remember exactly where, but I think it was either I-78 or the PA Turnpike out by Somerset.

There was one on I-79 in Cranberry when they were redoing a pair of bridges.

[Roadgeekteen]

Variable speed limits really should only be implemented when there is an active roadway hazard (roadwork, fog, construction, accident, etc.) The entire NJ Turnpike has variable speed limits, but its rare to see them set below the normal 55/65 unless there is some sort of triggering event. Normal traffic congestion isn't one of them!

Traffic congestion? Wouldn't traffic just slow down naturally?

[JREwing78]

Variable speed limits really should only be implemented when there is an active roadway hazard (roadwork, fog, construction, accident, etc.) The entire NJ Turnpike has variable speed limits, but its rare to see them set below the normal 55/65 unless there is some sort of triggering event. Normal traffic congestion isn't one of them!

Traffic congestion? Wouldn't traffic just slow down naturally?

They want to avoid the really sudden stops, caused by impacting another vehicle, a guardrail, a bridge, etc.

Or, at least have the speeds slow enough that the stops aren't deadly.

[empirestate]

Perhaps, but remember PA cannot legally post 60, and I can't really see 65 ever being posted on much of the Schuylkill. Not saying it shouldn't be, but that's not even imaginable.

Is that kind of like how you can't get an 18-pack of beer?

[Roadgeekteen]

Ah, bureaucracy. Because the law said "65" and not "up to 65", they can't post 60. Typical politicians.

[sprjus4]

While perhaps urban speed limits could go above 55 mph, even if they are to be capped at 55 mph, the variable speed limits should be realistic in the fact they don't just drop to 35 mph cause a work truck is parked on the shoulder. At least only lower it from the default (low or not) limit when there's truly congestion.

[empirestate]

Ah, bureaucracy. Because the law said "65" and not "up to 65", they can't post 60. Typical politicians.

Mm, I'd say typical lawyers. The exact construction of language is a big part of their course of study.

On the other hand, the typical politician probably is a lawyer, so you've got one there!

[PHLBOS]

Perhaps, but remember PA cannot legally post 60, and I can't really see 65 ever being posted on much of the Schuylkill. Not saying it shouldn't be, but that's not even imaginable.

Although such was a Work-Zone Speed Limit but I did see some Speed Limit 60 signs along I-99's current work zones.  The regular speed limit there is 70.

The above was the first time I've seen a SPEED LIMIT 60 sign in PA.

Recently? Where?

As recent as 3 weeks ago.  Along I-99 about 2 miles north of the Turnpike.  The zone is about 10 miles long.

[Ketchup99]

Perhaps, but remember PA cannot legally post 60, and I can't really see 65 ever being posted on much of the Schuylkill. Not saying it shouldn't be, but that's not even imaginable.

Although such was a Work-Zone Speed Limit but I did see some Speed Limit 60 signs along I-99's current work zones.  The regular speed limit there is 70.

The above was the first time I've seen a SPEED LIMIT 60 sign in PA.

Recently? Where?

As recent as 3 weeks ago.  Along I-99 about 2 miles north of the Turnpike.  The zone is about 10 miles long.

Interesting, might go check it out and see if it's still there.

[MASTERNC]

Ah, bureaucracy. Because the law said "65" and not "up to 65", they can't post 60. Typical politicians.

If you read Section 3363, it does seem to indicate that on expressways/Interstates, the speed limit can be set at the discretion of PennDOT (after a study) but not higher than 70 MPH.  Seems there is some wiggle room there.  Emphasis is mine.

§ 3363.  Alteration of maximum limits.

On highways under their respective jurisdictions, local authorities subject to section 6109(e) (relating to specific powers of department and local authorities) or the department, upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation, may determine that the maximum speed permitted under this subchapter is greater or less than is reasonable and safe under the conditions found to exist upon any such highway or part thereof and establish a reasonable and safe maximum limit. The maximum speed limit may be made effective at all times or at times indicated and may vary for different weather conditions and other factors bearing on safe speeds. No maximum speed greater than 55 miles per hour shall be established under this section except on highways listed in section 3362(a)(1.1) (relating to maximum speed limits), where the maximum speed for all vehicles shall not be greater than 70 miles per hour.

[Roadgeekteen]

Ah, bureaucracy. Because the law said "65" and not "up to 65", they can't post 60. Typical politicians.

If you read Section 3363, it does seem to indicate that on expressways/Interstates, the speed limit can be set at the discretion of PennDOT (after a study) but not higher than 70 MPH.  Seems there is some wiggle room there.  Emphasis is mine.

§ 3363.  Alteration of maximum limits.

On highways under their respective jurisdictions, local authorities subject to section 6109(e) (relating to specific powers of department and local authorities) or the department, upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation, may determine that the maximum speed permitted under this subchapter is greater or less than is reasonable and safe under the conditions found to exist upon any such highway or part thereof and establish a reasonable and safe maximum limit. The maximum speed limit may be made effective at all times or at times indicated and may vary for different weather conditions and other factors bearing on safe speeds. No maximum speed greater than 55 miles per hour shall be established under this section except on highways listed in section 3362(a)(1.1) (relating to maximum speed limits), where the maximum speed for all vehicles shall not be greater than 70 miles per hour.

Ok, seems like they allowed 60 when they allowed 70.

[Ketchup99]

3362.  Maximum speed limits.

(a)  General rule.--Except when a special hazard exists that requires lower speed for compliance with section 3361 (relating to driving vehicle at safe speed), the limits specified in this section or established under this subchapter shall be maximum lawful speeds and no person shall drive a vehicle at a speed in excess of the following maximum limits:

(1)  35 miles per hour in any urban district.

(1.1)  65 miles per hour or 70 miles per hour for all vehicles on freeways where the department has posted a 65-miles-per-hour or 70-miles-per-hour speed limit.

(1.2)  25 miles per hour in a residence district if the highway:

(i)  is not a numbered traffic route; and

(ii)  is functionally classified by the department as a local highway.

(2)  55 miles per hour in other locations.

(3)  Any other maximum speed limit established under this subchapter.

This makes it seem like 65 and 70 only are allowed, not 60.

[Roadgeekteen]

3362.  Maximum speed limits.

(a)  General rule.--Except when a special hazard exists that requires lower speed for compliance with section 3361 (relating to driving vehicle at safe speed), the limits specified in this section or established under this subchapter shall be maximum lawful speeds and no person shall drive a vehicle at a speed in excess of the following maximum limits:

(1)  35 miles per hour in any urban district.

(1.1)  65 miles per hour or 70 miles per hour for all vehicles on freeways where the department has posted a 65-miles-per-hour or 70-miles-per-hour speed limit.

(1.2)  25 miles per hour in a residence district if the highway:

(i)  is not a numbered traffic route; and

(ii)  is functionally classified by the department as a local highway.

(2)  55 miles per hour in other locations.

(3)  Any other maximum speed limit established under this subchapter.

This makes it seem like 65 and 70 only are allowed, not 60.

[sprjus4]

The first statue posted seems to allow PennDOT to increase the speed limit up to a maximum of 70 mph on limited access highways, the second statue posted simply sets statuary limits.

So while the statutory on limited access highways is 65 mph or 70 mph, they are legally allowed to post anything up to 70 mph that's not statutory, which includes 60 mph.

[Ketchup99]

The first statue posted seems to allow PennDOT to increase the speed limit up to a maximum of 70 mph on limited access highways, the second statue posted simply sets statuary limits.

So while the statutory on limited access highways is 65 mph or 70 mph, they are legally allowed to post anything up to 70 mph that's not statutory, which includes 60 mph.

Brings up another question: If 60 is legal, does PennDOT know this? 

[jeffandnicole]

The first statue posted seems to allow PennDOT to increase the speed limit up to a maximum of 70 mph on limited access highways, the second statue posted simply sets statuary limits.

So while the statutory on limited access highways is 65 mph or 70 mph, they are legally allowed to post anything up to 70 mph that's not statutory, which includes 60 mph.

Brings up another question: If 60 is legal, does PennDOT know this? 

It would seem so, as it was posted.

[Roadgeekteen]

Does PA post 60 in work zones?

[74/171FAN]

PennDOT - District 6 News: U.S. 1 Periodic Lane Closures at Night Next Week for Construction in Bucks County

[vdeane]

3362.  Maximum speed limits.

(a)  General rule.--Except when a special hazard exists that requires lower speed for compliance with section 3361 (relating to driving vehicle at safe speed), the limits specified in this section or established under this subchapter shall be maximum lawful speeds and no person shall drive a vehicle at a speed in excess of the following maximum limits:

(1)  35 miles per hour in any urban district.

(1.1)  65 miles per hour or 70 miles per hour for all vehicles on freeways where the department has posted a 65-miles-per-hour or 70-miles-per-hour speed limit.

(1.2)  25 miles per hour in a residence district if the highway:

(i)  is not a numbered traffic route; and

(ii)  is functionally classified by the department as a local highway.

(2)  55 miles per hour in other locations.

(3)  Any other maximum speed limit established under this subchapter.

This makes it seem like 65 and 70 only are allowed, not 60.

Going by that logic, 30, 40, and 45 would appear to not be allowed either.  As such, I'm going to go with the way sprjus4 interpreted it.

Does PA post 60 in work zones?

There have been multiple examples listed of them doing just that.  Here's another from I-380.

[74/171FAN]

PennDOT - District 3 News: McKees Half Falls Rest Area Opens Today in Snyder County

[Roadgeekteen]

3362.  Maximum speed limits.

(a)  General rule.--Except when a special hazard exists that requires lower speed for compliance with section 3361 (relating to driving vehicle at safe speed), the limits specified in this section or established under this subchapter shall be maximum lawful speeds and no person shall drive a vehicle at a speed in excess of the following maximum limits:

(1)  35 miles per hour in any urban district.

(1.1)  65 miles per hour or 70 miles per hour for all vehicles on freeways where the department has posted a 65-miles-per-hour or 70-miles-per-hour speed limit.

(1.2)  25 miles per hour in a residence district if the highway:

(i)  is not a numbered traffic route; and

(ii)  is functionally classified by the department as a local highway.

(2)  55 miles per hour in other locations.

(3)  Any other maximum speed limit established under this subchapter.

This makes it seem like 65 and 70 only are allowed, not 60.

Going by that logic, 30, 40, and 45 would appear to not be allowed either.  As such, I'm going to go with the way sprjus4 interpreted it.

Does PA post 60 in work zones?

There have been multiple examples listed of them doing just that.  Here's another from I-380.

Then they must be allowed to post 60.

[jeffandnicole]

3362.  Maximum speed limits.

(a)  General rule.--Except when a special hazard exists that requires lower speed for compliance with section 3361 (relating to driving vehicle at safe speed), the limits specified in this section or established under this subchapter shall be maximum lawful speeds and no person shall drive a vehicle at a speed in excess of the following maximum limits:

(1)  35 miles per hour in any urban district.

(1.1)  65 miles per hour or 70 miles per hour for all vehicles on freeways where the department has posted a 65-miles-per-hour or 70-miles-per-hour speed limit.

(1.2)  25 miles per hour in a residence district if the highway:

(i)  is not a numbered traffic route; and

(ii)  is functionally classified by the department as a local highway.

(2)  55 miles per hour in other locations.

(3)  Any other maximum speed limit established under this subchapter.

This makes it seem like 65 and 70 only are allowed, not 60.

Going by that logic, 30, 40, and 45 would appear to not be allowed either.  As such, I'm going to go with the way sprjus4 interpreted it.

Numeeous people need to reread the very first line of the quoted law.

The speeds listed are MAXIMUM speeds, not the only permitted speeds.