Yeah, I will believe it when I see it! ;-)
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/909039_Proceed-with-caution-on-70-mph-in-state.html
Here are some of the roads in the Allentown area that will have 70 mph I-476 from the south portal of the Lehigh Tunnel to exit 20 along with I-78 Exits 60-75 and Exits 1-35,but 35-60 goes up to 60mph to keep the 10 mph difference from the 70mph zone from 60-75 and 1-35. Lastly, PA-33 from I-78 to Pa-512 goes to 70 mph, but PA-33 from PA-512 exit to I-80 is increased to 60mph
Quote from: jpi on October 24, 2013, 04:54:53 PM
Yeah, I will believe it when I see it! ;-)
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/909039_Proceed-with-caution-on-70-mph-in-state.html
I've a modest proposal - how about management at PennDOT and the PTC, hopefully informed by their inside and consulting engineering staffs, determine what the speed limits should be on the basis of roadway design (and in particular, design speed) and crash histories?
Quote from: cpzilliacus on October 24, 2013, 09:53:19 PM
Quote from: jpi on October 24, 2013, 04:54:53 PM
Yeah, I will believe it when I see it! ;-)
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/909039_Proceed-with-caution-on-70-mph-in-state.html
I've a modest proposal - how about management at PennDOT and the PTC, hopefully informed by their inside and consulting engineering staffs, determine what the speed limits should be on the basis of roadway design (and in particular, design speed) and crash histories?
Agreed! :-)
"The trend toward 70 is only a few years old in most states, so data on whether it makes roads more deadly is still unclear."
Was this opinion piece written in 1998?
What this line also means is that deaths are still down, but we'll wait a few more years and when they go up statewide, we can report back that the highways are now deadlier...even if the increase in deaths was due to pedestrian accidents on 25 mph roadways.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 25, 2013, 08:29:29 AM
"The trend toward 70 is only a few years old in most states, so data on whether it makes roads more deadly is still unclear."
Was this opinion piece written in 1998?
What this line also means is that deaths are still down, but we'll wait a few more years and when they go up statewide, we can report back that the highways are now deadlier...even if the increase in deaths was due to pedestrian accidents on 25 mph roadways.
Reporters also use whichever statistic suits their own agenda, which usually means raw numbers of fatalities rather than the fatality rate. Put differently, if 10 people drive in a given state in one year and one person dies, and then the next year 200 people drive in that state and five people die, statistically you're much less likely to die in the second year even though "more people were killed."
The reporters also like to obscure the difference between correlation and causation, as it's too simple just to say "speed limit went up–more accidents–therefore it's due to the speed limit." Unless you can keep all other variables on the road the same, you can't know that for certain, and as a practical matter it's impossible to keep all other variables the same (volume of traffic, vehicular composition of traffic, road construction, weather conditions, etc.).
It reminds me of a medical study that was released during the 1990s that said that researchers had found that women who wear bras are 90% more likely to develop breast cancer than women who don't wear them. Problem is, since more than 95% of women in Western societies wear those things, the statistic is utterly meaningless. Of course they're more likely to develop cancer if such an overwhelming majority of them wear them–or, in other words, it's a false correlation, since if that many women wear them the cause is almost certainly something else.
Frequently, opposition to higher speed limits comes from groups and persons that are ideologically opposed to travel in or on vehicles with rubber tires and some sort of motor driving the wheels.
The Green Party of Germany has tried (and failed) for years to impose speed limits on all segments of the Autobahnen. The Washington Post had a story earlier this year about a proposal (apparently championed by the Greens) to impose a 75 MPH (120 k/h) national speed in Germany (here (http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-05-20/world/39377582_1_speed-limit-120-mph-germans)).
Interesting about the 70/60 near Allentown. I don't think Pennsylvania has a single 60 zone, although I can think of a few appropriate places. I too will believe it when I see it though. I wonder if this will get PennDot to re-evaluate the 55 zone on 78 the entire way back to the Lenhartsville exit, 19 miles west of Allentown and well outside of any urban zone. I always felt that section could be 65 west of the New Smithville exit. It isn't really much different than the Lebanon or Berks county sections of 78 which are 65. Maybe it is cause of the Lenhartsville onramp being a ramp stop?
I say raise the limit to 70. That'll put pressure on PennDOT to upgrade all the older highways in the Commonwealth.
I also say raise the limit on the Turnpike to 75. People would be less reluctant to pay a toll if it meant they got to go faster.
Quote from: DBR96A on October 26, 2013, 09:59:37 AM
I say raise the limit to 70. That'll put pressure on PennDOT to upgrade all the older highways in the Commonwealth.
How come? If there's no pressure now to upgrade them for a 65 mph limit, raising the limit to 70 isn't going to pressure them either.
Quote from: DBR96A on October 26, 2013, 09:59:37 AM
I say raise the limit to 70. That'll put pressure on PennDOT to upgrade all the older highways in the Commonwealth.
People already go 70 and and then some, including our former governor, on the roads we have now.
Quote from: PAHighways on November 02, 2013, 04:22:00 PM
Quote from: DBR96A on October 26, 2013, 09:59:37 AM
I say raise the limit to 70. That'll put pressure on PennDOT to upgrade all the older highways in the Commonwealth.
People already go 70 and and then some, including our former governor, on the roads we have now.
Hey, I was able to do it on I-95 two and three years ago.
Quote from: DBR96A on October 26, 2013, 09:59:37 AM
I also say raise the limit on the Turnpike to 75. People would be less reluctant to pay a toll if it meant they got to go faster.
Much of the "mountain" section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (the E-W Mainline roughly between New Stanton and Carlisle and on the N.E. Extension north of the Lehigh Tunnel) should not have a speed limit that high, because the road is not designed for such speeds, at least not without widening to three lanes each way (which the PTC does not seem interested in doing).
Quote from: cpzilliacus on November 03, 2013, 06:51:15 PM
Quote from: DBR96A on October 26, 2013, 09:59:37 AM
I also say raise the limit on the Turnpike to 75. People would be less reluctant to pay a toll if it meant they got to go faster.
Much of the "mountain" section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (the E-W Mainline roughly between New Stanton and Carlisle and on the N.E. Extension north of the Lehigh Tunnel) should not have a speed limit that high, because the road is not designed for such speeds, at least not without widening to three lanes each way (which the PTC does not seem interested in doing).
Many of the reconstruction projects in that section do call for adding a third lane in each direction.
Quote from: D-Dey65 on November 03, 2013, 03:08:30 PM
Quote from: PAHighways on November 02, 2013, 04:22:00 PM
Quote from: DBR96A on October 26, 2013, 09:59:37 AM
I say raise the limit to 70. That'll put pressure on PennDOT to upgrade all the older highways in the Commonwealth.
People already go 70 and and then some, including our former governor, on the roads we have now.
Hey, I was able to do it on I-95 two and three years ago.
70? I hope you were keeping to the right lane and letting others pass!
Quote from: D-Dey65 on November 03, 2013, 03:08:30 PM
Hey, I was able to do it on I-95 two and three years ago.
I did that, and then some, ten years ago.
The point is, people can go 70(+) on our current roads, it won't force PennDOT to do anything. With a transportation bill stuck in the house, they barely have any money to rebuild the structurally-deficient and functionally-obsolete bridges in the state.
You'll never see 70 in Northern PA...
The joke on the I-90 stretch seems to be if it isn't part of the "Metropolitan Erie" 55 MPH zone, it's in some endless construction zone. Everytime I drove I-90 thru PA, I was lucky to see about 10 miles of a true posted 65 MPH zone, construction and/or "Erie"-free.
It may actually happen. It was written into the transportation funding bill that just actually might make it out of the House (it passed a test vote tonight). On the flip side, there will be a minimum $45 surcharge added to speeding tickets.
Quote from: MASTERNC on November 19, 2013, 10:21:45 PM
It may actually happen. It was written into the transportation funding bill that just actually might make it out of the House (it passed a test vote tonight). On the flip side, there will be a minimum $45 surcharge added to speeding tickets.
Maybe Hades is going to freeze over? Seems CBS Philly is reporting that the Pennsylvania House passed a bill with an increase in highway user taxes and transportation spending on infrastructure.
Pa. House Passes Amendment In Transportation Funding Deal (http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2013/11/19/pa-house-regroups-oks-2-3b-transportation-bill/)
QuoteHARRISBURG, Pa., (CBS) – A day after voting it down twice, the state House Tuesday night passed an amendment that will pump major new funding into roads, bridges and mass transit in Pennsylvania.
QuoteSince what was approved by the House was an amendment, there are still more steps for the transportation funding package. But nonetheless, the effort has now cleared a major roadblock after an impasse that lasted months.
QuoteIn fact, the plan now is to have the Senate amend similar language into to a House bill already sitting in the Senate and then send the bill back to the House for a final vote.
I'd rather see 65 on I-95 than 70 on I-80. I get the feeling that I could still go 74 on either road without issue regardless of the posted limit.
Quote from: Steve on November 20, 2013, 08:37:08 PM
I'd rather see 65 on I-95 than 70 on I-80. I get the feeling that I could still go 74 on either road without issue regardless of the posted limit.
How about 70 MPH on both? At least between Philly and the Delaware border, I suspect that the 85th percentile speed on I-95 is north of 70 right now.
Good Luck in ever seeing 70 MPH on I-90 thru PA. If it isn't the endless 55 MPH "urban" zone in the "Metropolitan Erie" area, PennDot will find another excuse to tear-up the 70 MPH-able zones keeping their construction speed zones closer to 55. Mother Nature and the Lake Effect Snow Machine will take care of any 70 MPH zones in the winter!!! :evilgrin:
Sounds like this is a done deal. The funding bill with the speed limit increase just passed both chambers of the General Assembly. Governor Corbett will be signing next week.
The change will be effective immediately, so PennDOT will be able to begin reviewing roads for a speed limit increase.
Quote from: cpzilliacus on November 21, 2013, 03:59:41 PM
Quote from: Steve on November 20, 2013, 08:37:08 PM
I'd rather see 65 on I-95 than 70 on I-80. I get the feeling that I could still go 74 on either road without issue regardless of the posted limit.
How about 70 MPH on both? At least between Philly and the Delaware border, I suspect that the 85th percentile speed on I-95 is north of 70 right now.
No, it's not. It's actually faster in Philly (once you get south of the I-895/PA 413 wye). Given that the road is a substandard 4-laner, I wouldn't ask for anything more than 65.
Turnpike will still play games with the speed limit:
70
Work Zone 55
(9 covered work zone speed limit signs in a row, spread out over a few miles, no actual work being done)
Oh look, still 55.
What about seeing 60 mph on I-78 from Carpentersville Road to exit 75 toll plaza, and PA-33 going 70 mph from I-78 exit 71 to PA-512 in Wind Gap again these two Lehigh Valley freeways see drivers going over the 55-65 mph speed limit
Quote from: sbeaver44 on November 22, 2013, 10:33:29 PM
Turnpike will still play games with the speed limit:
70
Work Zone 55
(9 covered work zone speed limit signs in a row, spread out over a few miles, no actual work being done)
Oh look, still 55.
I wish they'd just buy a bunch of VSL signs for their work zones and be done with it. They have to have a few signs around - they were in use in 2005 just west of the Allegheny Tunnel, when that section west to Donegal was either 55 or 65 (based on conditions).
Unfortunately it doesn't sounds like we'll see a ton of 70 MPH signs. It sounds a lot like North Carolina (which I believe does not post 70 MPH everywhere it could, especially along I-85).
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2013/12/09/the-bar-is-high-for-new-pa-70-mph-speed-limit/ (http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2013/12/09/the-bar-is-high-for-new-pa-70-mph-speed-limit/)
QuoteThe state transportation secretary says probably fewer than half of the miles on Pennsylvania's Interstate highways are in line for the new 70 mile an hour speed limit.
QuoteBut Schoch says for one thing, he won't approve a 70 mile an hour speed limit for short stretches of the Interstates.
"We're not going to go through and let it go up to 70 miles an hour for ten miles and then back down to 65. It'll be for long stretches of segments of roadway," Schoch says.
Schoch also says he does not intend to opt for the higher limit on Interstates in urban areas where the speed limit is 55.
Does anyone else think that the entire stretch of I-380 would qualify for 70 MPH?
How about rural areas that are still 55 mph??
QuoteHow about rural areas that are still 55 mph??
US 30 east of York being a prime example. If PA 33 south of Wind Gap can be 65, there's no reason why US 30 can't be...
Agreed Froggie. I do 70MPH on a regular basis on that stretch of US 30 when I am in the area like last week.
After months of waiting, it sounds like PennDOT plans to raise some speed limits this summer.
However, don't expect 70 on long stretches of the PA Turnpike, at least for now.
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/05/70_mph_speed_limits_coming_to_1.html
On a recent drive out to Ohio on the PA Turnpike, it appeared going Eastbound there was a 70mph sign after the last Ohio toll plaza, but no reduced limit after entering PA until approaching the first PA Turnpike toll plaza. If that's true, then there is a short 1/2 mile stretch of 70 mph in PA! (My return trip didn't involve 76, so I couldn't confirm this myself)
I'm wondering what this paragraph meant:
QuoteDepartment of Transportation spokesman Rich Kirkpatrick also declined to shed any light on which highways are being considered for the higher speed limit. He said details are still being worked out.
What 'Details' could they be talking about? They're not negotiating a contract...they're supposed to be determining what roads are safe for 70 mph.
And the Florida stuff? Completely irreverent for this article.
100% support raising the speed limit to 70 on the PA Turnpike, especially in the very rural areas. Where, is a good question. Perhaps past Harrisburg? You have long stretches of rural road here. Also, I wonder if it would make sense to raise I-476 to 70 mph in the Poconos. I-380, I-80, I-81 and I-84 should definitely be raised to 70.
Quote from: J Route Z on May 24, 2014, 06:09:49 PM
100% support raising the speed limit to 70 on the PA Turnpike, especially in the very rural areas. Where, is a good question. Perhaps past Harrisburg? You have long stretches of rural road here. Also, I wonder if it would make sense to raise I-476 to 70 mph in the Poconos. I-380, I-80, I-81 and I-84 should definitely be raised to 70.
What about the Lehigh Tunnel between exit 56 and 74 on I-476 that has a 55mph limit as of now and I would do 70 mph from exit 20 to the South Portal of the Lehigh Tunnel and raise the Tunnel's speed limit to 60 mph then 70 mph from the North Portal of the Lehigh Tunnel to exit 115. Lastly exits 115-131 go 60mph
Quote from: Interstatefan78 on May 30, 2014, 10:26:57 AM
Quote from: J Route Z on May 24, 2014, 06:09:49 PM
100% support raising the speed limit to 70 on the PA Turnpike, especially in the very rural areas. Where, is a good question. Perhaps past Harrisburg? You have long stretches of rural road here. Also, I wonder if it would make sense to raise I-476 to 70 mph in the Poconos. I-380, I-80, I-81 and I-84 should definitely be raised to 70.
What about the Lehigh Tunnel between exit 56 and 74 on I-476 that has a 55mph limit as of now and I would do 70 mph from exit 20 to the South Portal of the Lehigh Tunnel and raise the Tunnel's speed limit to 60 mph then 70 mph from the North Portal of the Lehigh Tunnel to exit 115. Lastly exits 115-131 go 60mph
The problem with tunnels is that there is a reduced margin of safety through them. Road conditions inside the tunnel could possibly be damp when all around it the roads are dry due to condensation. Also reduced manuvering space for when something goes wrong.
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 25, 2013, 11:25:49 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 25, 2013, 08:29:29 AM
"The trend toward 70 is only a few years old in most states, so data on whether it makes roads more deadly is still unclear."
Was this opinion piece written in 1998?
What this line also means is that deaths are still down, but we'll wait a few more years and when they go up statewide, we can report back that the highways are now deadlier...even if the increase in deaths was due to pedestrian accidents on 25 mph roadways.
Reporters also use whichever statistic suits their own agenda, which usually means raw numbers of fatalities rather than the fatality rate. Put differently, if 10 people drive in a given state in one year and one person dies, and then the next year 200 people drive in that state and five people die, statistically you're much less likely to die in the second year even though "more people were killed."
The reporters also like to obscure the difference between correlation and causation, as it's too simple just to say "speed limit went up–more accidents–therefore it's due to the speed limit." Unless you can keep all other variables on the road the same, you can't know that for certain, and as a practical matter it's impossible to keep all other variables the same (volume of traffic, vehicular composition of traffic, road construction, weather conditions, etc.).
It reminds me of a medical study that was released during the 1990s that said that researchers had found that women who wear bras are 90% more likely to develop breast cancer than women who don't wear them. Problem is, since more than 95% of women in Western societies wear those things, the statistic is utterly meaningless. Of course they're more likely to develop cancer if such an overwhelming majority of them wear them–or, in other words, it's a false correlation, since if that many women wear them the cause is almost certainly something else.
70 isn't even that fast. I find myself pushing 75 or 80 on I-70 all the time. 65 is ridiculous. If people think 70 is too fast they need to just stay off the interstate.
KDKA TV-2 here in Pittsburgh is going to have a story tomorrow @ 6PM about why there hasn't been any 70MPH signs posted yet. Once they put that video up on their site, I'll link it here.
En route to/from Carlisle this past Saturday, I noticed some recently-erected curve warning & speed advisory signs along the way. The ones located east of Lebannon-Lancaster (Exit 266/PA 72) had 60 MPH advisory panels but the ones west of there had 65 MPH panels.
One has to wonder if the latter 65 MPH advisories could give hint to the speed limit(s) on those particular stretches of the Turnpike increasing to 70 mph down the road.
Someone posted on the Wikipedia that the PA Turnpike & I-78 were at 70 mph. Their referenced info only seems to refer to the general authorization for 70 mph in the state, and nothing specific. When I saw that listing yesterday, someone had added "This is inaccurate". When I looked again today, that comment was removed.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 18, 2014, 08:51:15 AM
Someone posted on the Wikipedia that the PA Turnpike & I-78 were at 70 mph. Their referenced info only seems to refer to the general authorization for 70 mph in the state, and nothing specific. When I saw that listing yesterday, someone had added "This is inaccurate". When I looked again today, that comment was removed.
It should be removed. Rather than saying it's inaccurate, the person disputing it should simply remove the 70-mph reference. But for a website that has pretensions of being an encyclopedia to contain a statement that its own content is inaccurate is obviously untenable!
Yeah, I thought that was an odd statement. And why remove that statement but not the erroneous statement? Oh well...such is the life of the Wikipedia contributers...
Wow we have 70 MPH zones that even get into Nashville as well here in Tennessee.
Quote from: Avalanchez71 on July 18, 2014, 12:01:31 PM
Wow we have 70 MPH zones that even get into Nashville as well here in Tennessee.
In Illinois, the 70 mph zones are everywhere but much of the Chicago area, through Springfield, through Peoria, through Moline, and parts of Metro East.
In Michigan, the limit is 70 unless there are engineering considerations. This means that most of the freeways are 70 mph except for short stretches of I-75, I-94, I-96, M-10 in Detroit, as well as I-375 and M-39, and a short stretch of I-196 in Grand Rapids. The 70 zones even extend well into Detroit itself.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 18, 2014, 11:50:54 AM
Yeah, I thought that was an odd statement. And why remove that statement but not the erroneous statement? Oh well...such is the life of the Wikipedia contributers...
I'd guess the person who removed the "this is inaccurate" statement had no way of verifying which of the two was correct–that is, whether 70 mph has been posted or whether it is inaccurate to say it has.
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 18, 2014, 12:32:35 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 18, 2014, 11:50:54 AM
Yeah, I thought that was an odd statement. And why remove that statement but not the erroneous statement? Oh well...such is the life of the Wikipedia contributers...
I'd guess the person who removed the "this is inaccurate" statement had no way of verifying which of the two was correctthat is, whether 70 mph has been posted or whether it is inaccurate to say it has.
What's funny is stuff like this ain't specialized knowledge - they are roads that hundreds of thousands of people drive on daily, and they can clearly see the lack of 70 mph signage. Even if the roads were posted at 70, the sentence still wouldn't be correct because not all of the PA Turnpike and 78 would be posted at 70; only certain sections would be 70.
Besides, a friend of mine sent me a message saying I'll like Ohio now because of the 70 mph limit...even though he knew I was out there several times over the past few years...when it was already 70 mph. If he got that excited about the 70 limit in Ohio, he would've sent me the same message while in PA.
I just took a look at the article in question. The relevant text read as follows:
QuoteIn Pennsylvania the maximum speed limit is a non-uniform limit of 70 mph (113 km/h) on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Interstate 78 and 65 mph (105 km/h) for all other rural freeways. The speed limit in urban freeways ranges from a low of 50 mph in downtown Pittsburgh and Philadelphia to 65 mph in some areas. Before November 2013, all Interstates and the Turnpike had 65 mph limits. The 70-mph speed limit was authorized by House Bill 1060 which was signed by Governor Corbett on November 25, 2013.
Somebody edited this so that, following "Interstate 78," it included the parenthetical notation "(This is inaccurate)," with no other changes to any of this text (it could stand to have the writing and punctuation cleaned up a bit).
It may not necessarily be incorrect as written because Pennsylvania state law does authorize a 70-mph speed limit, even if none have been posted yet. I'm not inclined to look up the law's text, or to go back over this thread, to verify whether the new law restricts 70-mph limits to the Turnpike and I-78 or whether it allows them elsewhere, such as on I-79 and I-80 (to give but two examples). I suspect it's the latter. I wouldn't be surprised if they'd restricted the 70-mph limit to Interstates, though.
In general, Wikipedia's "Speed Limits in the United States" article has turned into a mess because people keep larding it up with tons of minutia that simply don't merit inclusion in that sort of article. It's the usual problem where if the article includes a generally-applicable statement, somebody immediately feels the need to note an exception applicable to some small area. It's simply not all that important in a survey article of this sort that a smidgen of I-395 in DC has a 35-mph speed limit where the road descends towards the Third Street Tunnel, for example–that information is more suited for the article on that particular road. But every time I think about trying to clean up the mess, the amount of effort that would be required is off-putting, especially because the same people will just throw all the crap back in again.
As of this past June 21, I was on I-78 from I-81 to US 22 (Exit 51, near Allentown) and saw no 70 mph signs whatsoever.
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on July 17, 2014, 07:56:33 PM
KDKA TV-2 here in Pittsburgh is going to have a story tomorrow @ 6PM about why there hasn't been any 70MPH signs posted yet. Once they put that video up on their site, I'll link it here.
Their timing is perfect. The PTC just announced a 70 MPH zone from Blue Mountain to Morgantown (97 miles). This is consistent with the curve signs near Lancaster mentioned by another poster. Signs start going up Wednesday.
Sounds like the future of other changes for the Turnpike will be announced next week.
http://www.tribune-democrat.com/latestnews/x1667069940/Speed-limit-70-coming-to-turnpike
More details here
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/07/18/pa-turnpike-to-raise-speed-limit-to-70-mph-on-100-mile-stretch-next-week/
QuoteTurnpike spokesman Carl DeFebo says it amounts to a pilot project now that state law has been changed to allow for the higher speed limit.
"You know, we're going to take a look at this section, and see what the facts and figures pan out to be. If everything goes smoothly on this, then we would probably increase other parts of the toll road possibly sometime next year," DeFebo said.
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on July 17, 2014, 07:56:33 PM
KDKA TV-2 here in Pittsburgh is going to have a story tomorrow @ 6PM about why there hasn't been any 70MPH signs posted yet. Once they put that video up on their site, I'll link it here.
It's now up.
http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/video/10382151-increase-in-speed-limit-not-coming-anytime-soon-say-officials/
Quote from: MASTERNC on July 18, 2014, 09:44:54 PM
More details here
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/07/18/pa-turnpike-to-raise-speed-limit-to-70-mph-on-100-mile-stretch-next-week/
QuoteTurnpike spokesman Carl DeFebo says it amounts to a pilot project now that state law has been changed to allow for the higher speed limit.
"You know, we're going to take a look at this section, and see what the facts and figures pan out to be. If everything goes smoothly on this, then we would probably increase other parts of the toll road possibly sometime next year," DeFebo said.
Pilot project? If they need one, ODOT is next door.
Quote from: Brandon on July 19, 2014, 12:05:49 AM
Quote from: MASTERNC on July 18, 2014, 09:44:54 PM
More details here
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/07/18/pa-turnpike-to-raise-speed-limit-to-70-mph-on-100-mile-stretch-next-week/
QuoteTurnpike spokesman Carl DeFebo says it amounts to a pilot project now that state law has been changed to allow for the higher speed limit.
"You know, we're going to take a look at this section, and see what the facts and figures pan out to be. If everything goes smoothly on this, then we would probably increase other parts of the toll road possibly sometime next year, DeFebo said.
Pilot project? If they need one, ODOT is next door.
And in 40 or so other states.
Never thought I'd see this day - and it came a day early.
http://www.wgal.com/news/speed-limit-raised-to-70-mph-on-pa-turnpike/27090824#!bkbAoZ (http://www.wgal.com/news/speed-limit-raised-to-70-mph-on-pa-turnpike/27090824#!bkbAoZ)
There is a press conference tomorrow supposedly to announce more speed limit changes on the Turnpike and PennDOT highways.
Damn they're quick.
Just an FYI, it sounds like anything the Turnpike announces today may not be as quick as this change. Here is an idea of what they are looking to do:
QuoteOn the turnpike, a 70 mph speed limit will benefit the economy by allowing faster transportation of goods, said Renee Colborn, a spokeswoman for the turnpike.
Colborn described the speed change on the 100-mile stretch between Shippensburg and Reading as a "pilot program."
"This stretch, we decided to try first, just to see how it goes," she said. "The turnpike will study this for the next six to eight to 8 months. Maybe in the spring, then we'll start converting the rest of the turnpike."
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/ci_26200851/motorists-skeptical-turnpikes-70-mph-plan
Quote from: MASTERNC on July 23, 2014, 08:41:05 AM
Just an FYI, it sounds like anything the Turnpike announces today may not be as quick as this change. Here is an idea of what they are looking to do:
QuoteOn the turnpike, a 70 mph speed limit will benefit the economy by allowing faster transportation of goods, said Renee Colborn, a spokeswoman for the turnpike.
Colborn described the speed change on the 100-mile stretch between Shippensburg and Reading as a "pilot program."
"This stretch, we decided to try first, just to see how it goes," she said. "The turnpike will study this for the next six to eight to 8 months. Maybe in the spring, then we'll start converting the rest of the turnpike."
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/ci_26200851/motorists-skeptical-turnpikes-70-mph-plan
That's likely just regarding roads within the PTC system and may not be the case for PennDOT highways like I-80 for example.
Quick? It took them 8 months to 'study' areas that would permit the higher speed limit and put new signs up. We know their construction projects move at a snails pace...this took even longer!
It had been previously planned to annouce further speed limit increases just after the PA Turnpike's limit went up. I would think that if they are announcing other speed limit locations today, they should be active in a short period of time. Wouldn't be sensible to say they're going to study a location for several months, but announce where those other speed limit increases will be after the study is completed.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 23, 2014, 09:32:33 AM
Quick? It took them 8 months to 'study' areas that would permit the higher speed limit and put new signs up. We know their construction projects move at a snails pace...this took even longer!
It had been previously planned to annouce further speed limit increases just after the PA Turnpike's limit went up. I would think that if they are announcing other speed limit locations today, they should be active in a short period of time. Wouldn't be sensible to say they're going to study a location for several months, but announce where those other speed limit increases will be after the study is completed.
And it will take even longer until most people see 70 MPH. The sections PennDOT is raising to 70 are isolated (with lower traffic counts)
QuoteBeginning Aug. 11, Schoch said 70 mph speeds will be allowed on an 88-mile stretch of Interstate 80 between the DuBois exit and mile marker 189 in Clinton County and along a 21-mile section of Interstate 380 from Interstate 84 in Lackawanna County to the Pocono Pines/Mt. Pocono exit in Monroe County.
Next year, the entire 550-plus mile turnpike and sections of other non-turnpike roads could see the higher limits as well, said Schoch and turnpike CEO Mark Compton.
Another change is work zones on the Turnpike will no longer be 40 MPH, but rather 55 MPH (the same as they are when lanes aren't closed), with the caveat that more undercover speed checks will be conducted.
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/07/pennsylvania_70_mph_speed_limi.html
QuoteBeginning Aug. 11, Schoch said 70 mph speeds will be allowed on an 88-mile stretch of Interstate 80 between the DuBois exit and mile marker 189 in Clinton County and along a 21-mile section of Interstate 380 from Interstate 84 in Lackawanna County to the Pocono Pines/Mt. Pocono exit in Monroe County.
Next year, the entire 550-plus mile turnpike and sections of other non-turnpike roads could see the higher limits as well, said Schoch and turnpike CEO Mark Compton.
Yeah! This section of I-80 is my most traveled section!
Quote from: MASTERNC on July 23, 2014, 10:26:17 AM
And it will take even longer until most people see 70 MPH. The sections PennDOT is raising to 70 are isolated (with lower traffic counts)
QuoteBeginning Aug. 11, Schoch said 70 mph speeds will be allowed on an 88-mile stretch of Interstate 80 between the DuBois exit and mile marker 189 in Clinton County and along a 21-mile section of Interstate 380 from Interstate 84 in Lackawanna County to the Pocono Pines/Mt. Pocono exit in Monroe County.
Figures this would happen AFTER the NASCAR weekend @ Pocono on I-80.
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on July 23, 2014, 02:18:17 PMFigures this would happen AFTER the NASCAR weekend @ Pocono on I-80.
Similar could be said regarding this past year's 2014 Ford, GM & Chrysler National Events in Carlisle. The Chrysler just show took place almost two weeks prior to the increased speed limit along that stretch of Turnpike (I-76).
Luckily it'll all happen before my roadtrip to Ohio in mid-September. :-)
QuoteBeginning Aug. 11, Schoch said 70 mph speeds will be allowed on an 88-mile stretch of Interstate 80 between the DuBois exit and mile marker 189 in Clinton County and along a 21-mile section of Interstate 380 from Interstate 84 in Lackawanna County to the Pocono Pines/Mt. Pocono exit in Monroe County.
Sweet, just in time for me to be driving out that way later in the week!
I do wonder to what extent 70 will eventually be implemented. I could see it running right up to the NY line on US 15, I-81, and I-84, and right up to the MD line on I-81. Which would be great because those states need pressure exerted on them to join the club.
It's awesome to see 70 slowly creeping its way into the northeast.
I-80 needs to have it west of I-380 pretty much all the way across the state to Ohio.
Hey, if the Turnpike is gonna screw drivers out of $36 to drive across the state, the least they could go is make the speed limit 85 like they do in Texas.
Quote from: roadman65 on July 23, 2014, 11:40:11 PM
I-80 needs to have it west of I-380 pretty much all the way across the state to Ohio.
Exactly. There is nothing there. Nothing. The control city for I-80 in Ohio is New York.
Quote from: AplikowskiTheMinnesotan on July 24, 2014, 07:25:39 PM
Hey, if the Turnpike is gonna screw drivers out of $36 to drive across the state, the least they could go is make the speed limit 85 like they do in Texas.
I'm scared to even drive 70 on that road.
Wow 36 bucks to ride from Gateway to Delaware River Bridge. That means that anyone making minimum wage would need to give up over four hours worth of wages to drive the whole length just for the tolls alone.
Quote from: roadman65 on July 25, 2014, 01:15:28 PM
Wow 36 bucks to ride from Gateway to Delaware River Bridge. That means that anyone making minimum wage would need to give up over four hours worth of wages to drive the whole length just for the tolls alone.
Welcome to Act 44.
Quote from: PHLBOS on July 25, 2014, 01:55:02 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on July 25, 2014, 01:15:28 PM
Wow 36 bucks to ride from Gateway to Delaware River Bridge. That means that anyone making minimum wage would need to give up over four hours worth of wages to drive the whole length just for the tolls alone.
Welcome to Act 44.
When you add in the cost of gas, it's probably a full day's work for someone at minimum wage.
I drove part of the 70 MPH section for the first time during a trip from Philly to Lancaster. Going westbound, the first 70 MPH sign does not appear until about a mile west of the Morgantown interchange (interestingly enough, a 65 MPH curve sign appears first). There are definitely a lot of advisory curve signs at 65 MPH (at least 3-4 between Morgantown and Reading), which is probably overkill.
Going eastbound about 3/4 mile past the Morgantown interchange, there are two "Reduced Speed 65 MPH" signs (the yellow warning signs with arrows) within about 1/10 mile apart, followed by a 65 MPH sign another 1/10 mile later. The change occurs about 1/2 mile before the Chester County line (probably because it is the start of the 5-county Philadelphia area).
So...I drove the 70 mph stretch on I-80 Westbound to Ohio this past Friday night. Now, I'm always one to say one trip doesn't tell the whole story, but...
I was amazed at how slow some traffic was. Yes, almost all of us have had issues with trucks driving beside each other for a while, but I was getting that with standard cars up here. And I was dealing with cars going 60 mph in the left lane in the 70 zone...and they were still PASSING slower traffic! Was there something up ahead that they were hesitant on reaching???!!! I had my cruise at about 74 mph, and was by far one of the faster vehicles.
I know they're still in the 'testing' phase of this 70 mph zone, but hopefully they go and expand it soon. I haven't heard many issues regarding the speed limit increase.
Quote from: roadman65 on July 25, 2014, 01:15:28 PM
Wow 36 bucks to ride from Gateway to Delaware River Bridge. That means that anyone making minimum wage would need to give up over four hours worth of wages to drive the whole length just for the tolls alone.
I doubt that there are many people driving the whole length of the Turnpike on their own dime.
Quote from: AlexandriaVA on October 20, 2015, 01:56:10 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on July 25, 2014, 01:15:28 PM
Wow 36 bucks to ride from Gateway to Delaware River Bridge. That means that anyone making minimum wage would need to give up over four hours worth of wages to drive the whole length just for the tolls alone.
I doubt that there are many people driving the whole length of the Turnpike on their own dime.
Yes. If you're going from Ohio to Jersey, it's better to take I-80 or get off at the Schuylkill or US 1 unless you're going to somewhere in the vicinity of I-195.
Quote from: cl94 on October 20, 2015, 02:07:12 PM
Quote from: AlexandriaVA on October 20, 2015, 01:56:10 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on July 25, 2014, 01:15:28 PM
Wow 36 bucks to ride from Gateway to Delaware River Bridge. That means that anyone making minimum wage would need to give up over four hours worth of wages to drive the whole length just for the tolls alone.
I doubt that there are many people driving the whole length of the Turnpike on their own dime.
Yes. If you're going from Ohio to Jersey, it's better to take I-80 or get off at the Schuylkill or US 1 unless you're going to somewhere in the vicinity of I-195.
In my own car, going from NJ back to ND i took 476 up to 80, and cut accross, at the time (2009) it was cheaper by about 2/3
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 20, 2015, 01:22:26 PM
So...I drove the 70 mph stretch on I-80 Westbound to Ohio this past Friday night. Now, I'm always one to say one trip doesn't tell the whole story, but...
I was amazed at how slow some traffic was. Yes, almost all of us have had issues with trucks driving beside each other for a while, but I was getting that with standard cars up here. And I was dealing with cars going 60 mph in the left lane in the 70 zone...and they were still PASSING slower traffic! Was there something up ahead that they were hesitant on reaching???!!! I had my cruise at about 74 mph, and was by far one of the faster vehicles.
I know they're still in the 'testing' phase of this 70 mph zone, but hopefully they go and expand it soon. I haven't heard many issues regarding the speed limit increase.
Oh hey, Today You Learned PA drivers go slowly in the left lane.
Quote from: Alps on October 20, 2015, 11:39:39 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 20, 2015, 01:22:26 PM
So...I drove the 70 mph stretch on I-80 Westbound to Ohio this past Friday night. Now, I'm always one to say one trip doesn't tell the whole story, but...
I was amazed at how slow some traffic was. Yes, almost all of us have had issues with trucks driving beside each other for a while, but I was getting that with standard cars up here. And I was dealing with cars going 60 mph in the left lane in the 70 zone...and they were still PASSING slower traffic! Was there something up ahead that they were hesitant on reaching???!!! I had my cruise at about 74 mph, and was by far one of the faster vehicles.
I know they're still in the 'testing' phase of this 70 mph zone, but hopefully they go and expand it soon. I haven't heard many issues regarding the speed limit increase.
Oh hey, Today You Learned PA drivers go slowly in the left lane.
That's the point...many of them weren't PA drivers. And they were following basic courtesy: They kept right, passed left, then moved right again. They were just going 60 while passing someone going 50-55 mph in a 70 zone!
Sounds like we could see more 70 MPH zones this year - final report is due in June. So far, crashes haven't increased in number or severity.
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/news/more-mph-zones-could-be-around-the-bend-in-pennsylvania/article_46d12f6a-c60a-11e5-92a1-1f5b14ef0f70.html
Quote from: MASTERNC on January 29, 2016, 09:26:09 AM
Sounds like we could see more 70 MPH zones this year - final report is due in June. So far, crashes haven't increased in number or severity.
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/news/more-mph-zones-could-be-around-the-bend-in-pennsylvania/article_46d12f6a-c60a-11e5-92a1-1f5b14ef0f70.html
Is it wishful thinking that if PA does this, NY may do it to the Thruway?
Quote from: Buffaboy on January 29, 2016, 03:16:43 PM
Quote from: MASTERNC on January 29, 2016, 09:26:09 AM
Sounds like we could see more 70 MPH zones this year - final report is due in June. So far, crashes haven't increased in number or severity.
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/news/more-mph-zones-could-be-around-the-bend-in-pennsylvania/article_46d12f6a-c60a-11e5-92a1-1f5b14ef0f70.html
Is it wishful thinking that if PA does this, NY may do it to the Thruway?
Yes.
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2016, 10:55:35 PM
Quote from: Buffaboy on January 29, 2016, 03:16:43 PM
Quote from: MASTERNC on January 29, 2016, 09:26:09 AM
Sounds like we could see more 70 MPH zones this year - final report is due in June. So far, crashes haven't increased in number or severity.
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/news/more-mph-zones-could-be-around-the-bend-in-pennsylvania/article_46d12f6a-c60a-11e5-92a1-1f5b14ef0f70.html
Is it wishful thinking that if PA does this, NY may do it to the Thruway?
Yes.
Dude, 75 mph was proposed a couple years ago by someone from the Bronx and I've heard nothing since. The majority of the state population likely wants it (and the elimination of the 55 limits downstate), but it won't get through the second floor of the Capitol. I'm not expecting anything anytime soon. Heck, I'd be happy if they got rid of even one of the many asinine 55 zones in this state.
Quote from: cl94 on January 29, 2016, 11:02:08 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2016, 10:55:35 PM
Quote from: Buffaboy on January 29, 2016, 03:16:43 PM
Quote from: MASTERNC on January 29, 2016, 09:26:09 AM
Sounds like we could see more 70 MPH zones this year - final report is due in June. So far, crashes haven't increased in number or severity.
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/news/more-mph-zones-could-be-around-the-bend-in-pennsylvania/article_46d12f6a-c60a-11e5-92a1-1f5b14ef0f70.html
Is it wishful thinking that if PA does this, NY may do it to the Thruway?
Yes.
Dude, 75 mph was proposed a couple years ago by someone from the Bronx and I've heard nothing since. The majority of the state population likely wants it (and the elimination of the 55 limits downstate), but it won't get through the second floor of the Capitol. I'm not expecting anything anytime soon. Heck, I'd be happy if they got rid of even one of the many asinine 55 zones in this state.
I think the mentality that speed = death actually has a stronger hold on the mentality overall here in NY than in some other places. I don't even think State Police are worried about lost revenue and that they understand that the speed limit increase will just increase speed overall and probably the same number of tickets will be handed out. It's more about the line of reasoning that if you increase the speed limit, people will go faster and more people will die, as probably false that line is.
That said, I'm with cl94: It'll be a great day when we get rid of those 55 zones (esp. the one on I-84).
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2016, 11:05:58 PM
Quote from: cl94 on January 29, 2016, 11:02:08 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2016, 10:55:35 PM
Quote from: Buffaboy on January 29, 2016, 03:16:43 PM
Quote from: MASTERNC on January 29, 2016, 09:26:09 AM
Sounds like we could see more 70 MPH zones this year - final report is due in June. So far, crashes haven't increased in number or severity.
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/news/more-mph-zones-could-be-around-the-bend-in-pennsylvania/article_46d12f6a-c60a-11e5-92a1-1f5b14ef0f70.html
Is it wishful thinking that if PA does this, NY may do it to the Thruway?
Yes.
Dude, 75 mph was proposed a couple years ago by someone from the Bronx and I've heard nothing since. The majority of the state population likely wants it (and the elimination of the 55 limits downstate), but it won't get through the second floor of the Capitol. I'm not expecting anything anytime soon. Heck, I'd be happy if they got rid of even one of the many asinine 55 zones in this state.
I think the mentality that speed = death actually has a stronger hold on the mentality overall here in NY than in some other places. I don't even think State Police are worried about lost revenue and that they understand that the speed limit increase will just increase speed overall and probably the same number of tickets will be handed out. It's more about the line of reasoning that if you increase the speed limit, people will go faster and more people will die, as probably false that line is.
That said, I'm with cl94: It'll be a great day when we get rid of those 55 zones (esp. the one on I-84).
Most of that mentality is with the people in government. New York's speed limit was 70 before NMSL, believe it or not, and the roads have only gotten better.
That one is nonsense, as are the ones on I-290, parts of the Thruway, the Northway, the Taconic/Sprain Brook south of US 6, the LIE, Sunrise Highway... Not like anybody other than Granny Smith and old guy who likes cowboy hats goes the speed limit, anyway.
Quote from: MASTERNC on January 29, 2016, 09:26:09 AM
Sounds like we could see more 70 MPH zones this year - final report is due in June. So far, crashes haven't increased in number or severity.
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/news/more-mph-zones-could-be-around-the-bend-in-pennsylvania/article_46d12f6a-c60a-11e5-92a1-1f5b14ef0f70.html
:)
Quote from: cl94 on January 29, 2016, 11:28:50 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2016, 11:05:58 PM
Quote from: cl94 on January 29, 2016, 11:02:08 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2016, 10:55:35 PM
Quote from: Buffaboy on January 29, 2016, 03:16:43 PM
Quote from: MASTERNC on January 29, 2016, 09:26:09 AM
Sounds like we could see more 70 MPH zones this year - final report is due in June. So far, crashes haven't increased in number or severity.
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/news/more-mph-zones-could-be-around-the-bend-in-pennsylvania/article_46d12f6a-c60a-11e5-92a1-1f5b14ef0f70.html
Is it wishful thinking that if PA does this, NY may do it to the Thruway?
Yes.
Dude, 75 mph was proposed a couple years ago by someone from the Bronx and I've heard nothing since. The majority of the state population likely wants it (and the elimination of the 55 limits downstate), but it won't get through the second floor of the Capitol. I'm not expecting anything anytime soon. Heck, I'd be happy if they got rid of even one of the many asinine 55 zones in this state.
I think the mentality that speed = death actually has a stronger hold on the mentality overall here in NY than in some other places. I don't even think State Police are worried about lost revenue and that they understand that the speed limit increase will just increase speed overall and probably the same number of tickets will be handed out. It's more about the line of reasoning that if you increase the speed limit, people will go faster and more people will die, as probably false that line is.
That said, I'm with cl94: It'll be a great day when we get rid of those 55 zones (esp. the one on I-84).
Most of that mentality is with the people in government. New York's speed limit was 70 before NMSL, believe it or not, and the roads have only gotten better.
That one is nonsense, as are the ones on I-290, parts of the Thruway, the Northway, the Taconic/Sprain Brook south of US 6, the LIE, Sunrise Highway... Not like anybody other than Granny Smith and old guy who likes cowboy hats goes the speed limit, anyway.
The current administration certainly believes in the "speed kills" argument, and is likely the reason we won't see speeds above 30 MPH on NY 198 ever again.
Quote from: cl94 on January 29, 2016, 11:28:50 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2016, 11:05:58 PM
I think the mentality that speed = death actually has a stronger hold on the mentality overall here in NY than in some other places. I don't even think State Police are worried about lost revenue and that they understand that the speed limit increase will just increase speed overall and probably the same number of tickets will be handed out. It's more about the line of reasoning that if you increase the speed limit, people will go faster and more people will die, as probably false that line is.
Most of that mentality is with the people in government.
And people who post in the comment sections of online articles about speed limit increases.
Here's a video and article to quench the stupid people of the government that speed kills, which, it does not.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BKdbxX1pDw
http://jalopnik.com/this-is-the-best-takedown-of-the-speed-kills-myth-you-1302382244
So to increase safety, you need to increase limits. Except for high accident zones, (Schuykill Expressway for example) and if we go by the 85th percentile, we can easily support limits such as 80 or 85 MPH.
I know everyone is gonna complain, but as BC states that going 40 KPH over the limit means that here in the US, you're pretty much fine to go 25 MPH over the limit. I wouldn't use it as a basis, but it's a start.
So in conclusion, you can argue with cops that you are not going over the speed limit and are in fact going a reasonable and prudent speed.
Quote from: noelbotevera on January 30, 2016, 05:17:09 PM
So in conclusion, you can argue with cops that you are not going over the speed limit and are in fact going a reasonable and prudent speed.
You can argue with the cops that you are going a reasonable and prudent speed, but you can't argue you're not going over the speed limit if he stops you doing 10 over the signed limit.
And it's not really up to the cop as for your opinion. You can retell that story to the judge. BTW, if you do, you better bring along evidence supporting your opinion.
The LIE is 55 and should be at least 65.
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2016, 11:05:58 PM
Quote from: cl94 on January 29, 2016, 11:02:08 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2016, 10:55:35 PM
Quote from: Buffaboy on January 29, 2016, 03:16:43 PM
Quote from: MASTERNC on January 29, 2016, 09:26:09 AM
Sounds like we could see more 70 MPH zones this year - final report is due in June. So far, crashes haven't increased in number or severity.
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/news/more-mph-zones-could-be-around-the-bend-in-pennsylvania/article_46d12f6a-c60a-11e5-92a1-1f5b14ef0f70.html
Is it wishful thinking that if PA does this, NY may do it to the Thruway?
Yes.
Dude, 75 mph was proposed a couple years ago by someone from the Bronx and I've heard nothing since. The majority of the state population likely wants it (and the elimination of the 55 limits downstate), but it won't get through the second floor of the Capitol. I'm not expecting anything anytime soon. Heck, I'd be happy if they got rid of even one of the many asinine 55 zones in this state.
I think the mentality that speed = death actually has a stronger hold on the mentality overall here in NY than in some other places. I don't even think State Police are worried about lost revenue and that they understand that the speed limit increase will just increase speed overall and probably the same number of tickets will be handed out. It's more about the line of reasoning that if you increase the speed limit, people will go faster and more people will die, as probably false that line is.
That said, I'm with cl94: It'll be a great day when we get rid of those 55 zones (esp. the one on I-84).
Most of 84 in NY state is 65 now, except through the Newburgh area across the Newburgh-Beacon bridge and from Brewster to the CT line (where it's 55 anyway). 84 should extend the 65 zones (or at least try its first 60 MPH zones) in CT from Exits 25A- just before 33, and from 36-41. The Wilbur Cross Parkway should also be 60 or 65, as should I-95 west of New Haven except through Stamford and Bridgeport (try doing it during rush hour, though), and CT 8 south of Naugatuck.
Quote from: J Route Z on January 31, 2016, 02:18:06 AM
The LIE is 55 and should be at least 65.
Supposedly, it was 60/65 before NMSL. With that and Sunrise Highway, you could make the speed limit 80 and there would still be people going 20 over.
Quote from: cl94 on January 31, 2016, 03:30:53 PM
Quote from: J Route Z on January 31, 2016, 02:18:06 AM
The LIE is 55 and should be at least 65.
Supposedly, it was 60/65 before NMSL. With that and Sunrise Highway, you could make the speed limit 80 and there would still be people going 20 over.
I have a question: if I'm going 65 in a 55 when everyone is going 65 as well, who gets pulled over?
Quote from: Buffaboy on January 31, 2016, 03:40:07 PM
Quote from: cl94 on January 31, 2016, 03:30:53 PM
Quote from: J Route Z on January 31, 2016, 02:18:06 AM
The LIE is 55 and should be at least 65.
Supposedly, it was 60/65 before NMSL. With that and Sunrise Highway, you could make the speed limit 80 and there would still be people going 20 over.
I have a question: if I'm going 65 in a 55 when everyone is going 65 as well, who gets pulled over?
Depends on the cop. Either nobody, the out of state plate, the truck, or the person going slightly faster. The first is common if traffic is heavy.
Quote from: Buffaboy on January 31, 2016, 03:40:07 PM
Quote from: cl94 on January 31, 2016, 03:30:53 PM
Quote from: J Route Z on January 31, 2016, 02:18:06 AM
The LIE is 55 and should be at least 65.
Supposedly, it was 60/65 before NMSL. With that and Sunrise Highway, you could make the speed limit 80 and there would still be people going 20 over.
I have a question: if I'm going 65 in a 55 when everyone is going 65 as well, who gets pulled over?
DWB.
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on January 31, 2016, 09:40:52 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2016, 11:05:58 PM
Quote from: cl94 on January 29, 2016, 11:02:08 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2016, 10:55:35 PM
Quote from: Buffaboy on January 29, 2016, 03:16:43 PM
Quote from: MASTERNC on January 29, 2016, 09:26:09 AM
Sounds like we could see more 70 MPH zones this year - final report is due in June. So far, crashes haven't increased in number or severity.
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/news/more-mph-zones-could-be-around-the-bend-in-pennsylvania/article_46d12f6a-c60a-11e5-92a1-1f5b14ef0f70.html
Is it wishful thinking that if PA does this, NY may do it to the Thruway?
Yes.
Dude, 75 mph was proposed a couple years ago by someone from the Bronx and I've heard nothing since. The majority of the state population likely wants it (and the elimination of the 55 limits downstate), but it won't get through the second floor of the Capitol. I'm not expecting anything anytime soon. Heck, I'd be happy if they got rid of even one of the many asinine 55 zones in this state.
I think the mentality that speed = death actually has a stronger hold on the mentality overall here in NY than in some other places. I don't even think State Police are worried about lost revenue and that they understand that the speed limit increase will just increase speed overall and probably the same number of tickets will be handed out. It's more about the line of reasoning that if you increase the speed limit, people will go faster and more people will die, as probably false that line is.
That said, I'm with cl94: It'll be a great day when we get rid of those 55 zones (esp. the one on I-84).
Most of 84 in NY state is 65 now, except through the Newburgh area across the Newburgh-Beacon bridge and from Brewster to the CT line (where it's 55 anyway).
I believe 13 miles of I-84 are still 55 mph. It's still excruciating.
Quote from: Rothman on January 31, 2016, 10:59:07 PM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on January 31, 2016, 09:40:52 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2016, 11:05:58 PM
Quote from: cl94 on January 29, 2016, 11:02:08 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2016, 10:55:35 PM
Quote from: Buffaboy on January 29, 2016, 03:16:43 PM
Quote from: MASTERNC on January 29, 2016, 09:26:09 AM
Sounds like we could see more 70 MPH zones this year - final report is due in June. So far, crashes haven't increased in number or severity.
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/news/more-mph-zones-could-be-around-the-bend-in-pennsylvania/article_46d12f6a-c60a-11e5-92a1-1f5b14ef0f70.html
Is it wishful thinking that if PA does this, NY may do it to the Thruway?
Yes.
Dude, 75 mph was proposed a couple years ago by someone from the Bronx and I've heard nothing since. The majority of the state population likely wants it (and the elimination of the 55 limits downstate), but it won't get through the second floor of the Capitol. I'm not expecting anything anytime soon. Heck, I'd be happy if they got rid of even one of the many asinine 55 zones in this state.
I think the mentality that speed = death actually has a stronger hold on the mentality overall here in NY than in some other places. I don't even think State Police are worried about lost revenue and that they understand that the speed limit increase will just increase speed overall and probably the same number of tickets will be handed out. It's more about the line of reasoning that if you increase the speed limit, people will go faster and more people will die, as probably false that line is.
That said, I'm with cl94: It'll be a great day when we get rid of those 55 zones (esp. the one on I-84).
Most of 84 in NY state is 65 now, except through the Newburgh area across the Newburgh-Beacon bridge and from Brewster to the CT line (where it's 55 anyway).
I believe 13 miles of I-84 are still 55 mph. It's still excruciating.
Correct. From NY 17K to halfway between NY 9D and NY 52 and 1.5 miles west of I-684 to the state line. All of that except the stretch across the bridge could be 65.
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 31, 2016, 03:57:08 PM
Quote from: Buffaboy on January 31, 2016, 03:40:07 PM
Quote from: cl94 on January 31, 2016, 03:30:53 PM
Quote from: J Route Z on January 31, 2016, 02:18:06 AM
The LIE is 55 and should be at least 65.
Supposedly, it was 60/65 before NMSL. With that and Sunrise Highway, you could make the speed limit 80 and there would still be people going 20 over.
I have a question: if I'm going 65 in a 55 when everyone is going 65 as well, who gets pulled over?
DWB.
Racist much? Probably true though.
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 31, 2016, 03:57:08 PM
Quote from: Buffaboy on January 31, 2016, 03:40:07 PM
Quote from: cl94 on January 31, 2016, 03:30:53 PM
Quote from: J Route Z on January 31, 2016, 02:18:06 AM
The LIE is 55 and should be at least 65.
Supposedly, it was 60/65 before NMSL. With that and Sunrise Highway, you could make the speed limit 80 and there would still be people going 20 over.
I have a question: if I'm going 65 in a 55 when everyone is going 65 as well, who gets pulled over?
DWB.
Well I don't know if I'm that easy to spot in traffic... :hmmm:
I've managed to dodge tickets however.
Quote from: Buffaboy on January 31, 2016, 03:40:07 PM
Quote from: cl94 on January 31, 2016, 03:30:53 PM
Quote from: J Route Z on January 31, 2016, 02:18:06 AM
The LIE is 55 and should be at least 65.
Supposedly, it was 60/65 before NMSL. With that and Sunrise Highway, you could make the speed limit 80 and there would still be people going 20 over.
I have a question: if I'm going 65 in a 55 when everyone is going 65 as well, who gets pulled over?
on the LIE, usually its the people driving by themselves in the HOV lane when HOV restrictions are in effect, or the people that are going insanely fast compared to the other motorists.
Quote from: mariethefoxy on February 01, 2016, 02:54:56 AM
Quote from: Buffaboy on January 31, 2016, 03:40:07 PM
Quote from: cl94 on January 31, 2016, 03:30:53 PM
Quote from: J Route Z on January 31, 2016, 02:18:06 AM
The LIE is 55 and should be at least 65.
Supposedly, it was 60/65 before NMSL. With that and Sunrise Highway, you could make the speed limit 80 and there would still be people going 20 over.
I have a question: if I'm going 65 in a 55 when everyone is going 65 as well, who gets pulled over?
on the LIE, usually its the people driving by themselves in the HOV lane when HOV restrictions are in effect, or the people that are going insanely fast compared to the other motorists.
In the premise Buffaboy described, no one is "going insanely fast compared to the other motorists." They're all going 65.
HOV or no, though, the point is obviously that it's the person who commits some other violation or otherwise stands out, since all things being equal, people don't usually get pulled over when they're all doing 65 in a 55.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on February 01, 2016, 06:52:58 AM
Quote from: mariethefoxy on February 01, 2016, 02:54:56 AM
Quote from: Buffaboy on January 31, 2016, 03:40:07 PM
Quote from: cl94 on January 31, 2016, 03:30:53 PM
Quote from: J Route Z on January 31, 2016, 02:18:06 AM
The LIE is 55 and should be at least 65.
Supposedly, it was 60/65 before NMSL. With that and Sunrise Highway, you could make the speed limit 80 and there would still be people going 20 over.
I have a question: if I'm going 65 in a 55 when everyone is going 65 as well, who gets pulled over?
on the LIE, usually its the people driving by themselves in the HOV lane when HOV restrictions are in effect, or the people that are going insanely fast compared to the other motorists.
In the premise Buffaboy described, no one is "going insanely fast compared to the other motorists." They're all going 65.
HOV or no, though, the point is obviously that it's the person who commits some other violation or otherwise stands out, since all things being equal, people don't usually get pulled over when they're all doing 65 in a 55.
I've managed to drive the entire I-290 in Buffalo going over 75 in the leftmost lane in heavy traffic because I had to be in Orchard Park in 5 minutes. All the cars around me looked like they were moving slowly.
How I pulled this off, I'm not sure.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on February 01, 2016, 06:52:58 AM
In the premise Buffaboy described, no one is "going insanely fast compared to the other motorists." They're all going 65.
HOV or no, though, the point is obviously that it's the person who commits some other violation or otherwise stands out, since all things being equal, people don't usually get pulled over when they're all doing 65 in a 55.
Except for the HOV/Toll lanes on the Virginia side, all of the Capital Beltway is posted 55 MPH, but the 85th percentile speed is 65 MPH or better, and (for the most part) a driver has to be going 70 MPH (or more) to get attention from the Maryland or Virginia State Police.
Quote from: cpzilliacus on February 01, 2016, 11:51:46 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on February 01, 2016, 06:52:58 AM
In the premise Buffaboy described, no one is "going insanely fast compared to the other motorists." They're all going 65.
HOV or no, though, the point is obviously that it's the person who commits some other violation or otherwise stands out, since all things being equal, people don't usually get pulled over when they're all doing 65 in a 55.
Except for the HOV/Toll lanes on the Virginia side, all of the Capital Beltway is posted 55 MPH, but the 85th percentile speed is 65 MPH or better, and (for the most part) a driver has to be going 70 MPH (or more) to get attention from the Maryland or Virginia State Police.
That's how it usually is in these parts. You have to be going quite fast to get pulled over in Albany for speed. They typically go after people using cell phones or who appear drunk.
Similar to the Beltway, the expressways are well above capacity and pulling someone over will create a large backup that may actually make things more dangerous.
Quote from: cl94 on February 01, 2016, 11:56:37 AM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on February 01, 2016, 11:51:46 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on February 01, 2016, 06:52:58 AM
In the premise Buffaboy described, no one is "going insanely fast compared to the other motorists." They're all going 65.
HOV or no, though, the point is obviously that it's the person who commits some other violation or otherwise stands out, since all things being equal, people don't usually get pulled over when they're all doing 65 in a 55.
Except for the HOV/Toll lanes on the Virginia side, all of the Capital Beltway is posted 55 MPH, but the 85th percentile speed is 65 MPH or better, and (for the most part) a driver has to be going 70 MPH (or more) to get attention from the Maryland or Virginia State Police.
That's how it usually is in these parts. You have to be going quite fast to get pulled over in Albany for speed. They typically go after people using cell phones or who appear drunk.
I dunno. From the experience of my friends and me, speed enforcement goes from nonexistent if you're going up to 9 mph over the speed limit to annoying from 10 mph beyond.
A little bit O.T., but I heard a professor today say that if your EZPass transponder arrives at a toll faster than the average speed on a route, you will get a fee for speeding. Is this true?
Quote from: Buffaboy on February 01, 2016, 01:32:46 PM
A little bit O.T., but I heard a professor today say that if your EZPass transponder arrives at a toll faster than the average speed on a route, you will get a fee for speeding. Is this true?
Absolutely not, and this rumor has been around since the advent of EZ Pass.
Tell your professor you want to see a ticket for this violation. Or a copy of a ticket. From anyone.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 01, 2016, 01:46:39 PM
Quote from: Buffaboy on February 01, 2016, 01:32:46 PM
A little bit O.T., but I heard a professor today say that if your EZPass transponder arrives at a toll faster than the average speed on a route, you will get a fee for speeding. Is this true?
Absolutely not, and this rumor has been around since the advent of EZ Pass.
Tell your professor you want to see a ticket for this violation. Or a copy of a ticket. From anyone.
Untrue is correct. It's quite the old rumor. If that was the case, my parents and I would have gotten enough tickets to revoke each of our licenses.
I remember hearing that rumor too, apparently if you entered the turnpike and exited was a time faster than the speed limit, you'd get a ticket, so to combat that, the person who told me this rumor said to go to the rest stop for a bit then get back on the road
Quote from: mariethefoxy on February 01, 2016, 02:00:34 PM
I remember hearing that rumor too, apparently if you entered the turnpike and exited was a time faster than the speed limit, you'd get a ticket, so to combat that, the person who told me this rumor said to go to the rest stop for a bit then get back on the road
That's rather silly. Might as well just drive the speed limit if you're that paranoid.
E-ZPass simply isn't used for speed enforcement.
However, if you happen to murder your father and attempt to murder your mother, your E-ZPass in/out times may be used to convict you (e.g., Porco case).
Quote from: Rothman on February 01, 2016, 02:12:34 PM
Quote from: mariethefoxy on February 01, 2016, 02:00:34 PM
I remember hearing that rumor too, apparently if you entered the turnpike and exited was a time faster than the speed limit, you'd get a ticket, so to combat that, the person who told me this rumor said to go to the rest stop for a bit then get back on the road
That's rather silly. Might as well just drive the speed limit if you're that paranoid.
E-ZPass simply isn't used for speed enforcement.
However, if you happen to murder your father and attempt to murder your mother, your E-ZPass in/out times may be used to convict you (e.g., Porco case).
I have heard they will give you tickets for speeding in the ezpass lane.
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2015/02/24/pa-turnpike-to-crack-down-on-speeding-through-ez-pass-lanes/
Quote from: SteveG1988 on February 01, 2016, 02:39:28 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 01, 2016, 02:12:34 PM
Quote from: mariethefoxy on February 01, 2016, 02:00:34 PM
I remember hearing that rumor too, apparently if you entered the turnpike and exited was a time faster than the speed limit, you'd get a ticket, so to combat that, the person who told me this rumor said to go to the rest stop for a bit then get back on the road
That's rather silly. Might as well just drive the speed limit if you're that paranoid.
E-ZPass simply isn't used for speed enforcement.
However, if you happen to murder your father and attempt to murder your mother, your E-ZPass in/out times may be used to convict you (e.g., Porco case).
I have heard they will give you tickets for speeding in the ezpass lane.
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2015/02/24/pa-turnpike-to-crack-down-on-speeding-through-ez-pass-lanes/
Reread that article and quote the exact point where they say they'll ticket for speeding.
- - - - - - - - - -
Various agencies have stated they'll send out letters and notices and suspend accounts if you speed thru the plaza. The NJ Turnpike said they would do that many years ago (early 2000's), and it quickly became known that in the 15 mph lanes, one would have to go at least 35 mph to get one of these notices. I, in fact, did get one of these notices! However, that was a fairly short-lived policy, and there's been no known automated speed enforcement or notification for many years now. The PANYNJ had a similar policy.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 01, 2016, 02:51:19 PM
Quote from: SteveG1988 on February 01, 2016, 02:39:28 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 01, 2016, 02:12:34 PM
Quote from: mariethefoxy on February 01, 2016, 02:00:34 PM
I remember hearing that rumor too, apparently if you entered the turnpike and exited was a time faster than the speed limit, you'd get a ticket, so to combat that, the person who told me this rumor said to go to the rest stop for a bit then get back on the road
That's rather silly. Might as well just drive the speed limit if you're that paranoid.
E-ZPass simply isn't used for speed enforcement.
However, if you happen to murder your father and attempt to murder your mother, your E-ZPass in/out times may be used to convict you (e.g., Porco case).
I have heard they will give you tickets for speeding in the ezpass lane.
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2015/02/24/pa-turnpike-to-crack-down-on-speeding-through-ez-pass-lanes/
Reread that article and quote the exact point where they say they'll ticket for speeding.
- - - - - - - - - -
Various agencies have stated they'll send out letters and notices and suspend accounts if you speed thru the plaza. The NJ Turnpike said they would do that many years ago (early 2000's), and it quickly became known that in the 15 mph lanes, one would have to go at least 35 mph to get one of these notices. I, in fact, did get one of these notices! However, that was a fairly short-lived policy, and there's been no known automated speed enforcement or notification for many years now. The PANYNJ had a similar policy.
NYSTA does a similar thing. If you're going fast enough to trigger a letter, at least in NY, the reader probably didn't get your E-ZPass. You could get your pass revoked as well. While I drive like a Long Islander elsewhere, I go exactly the posted speed limit in toll plazas.
In New York, it's illegal to give a speeding ticket outside of an E-ZPass lane or school zone in NYC without the officer writing the ticket witnessing the offense. That effectively renders any argument about E-ZPass speeding tickets moot and it is why speed cameras are not used here.
I thought we were talking about calculated speeds between entrance and exit points.
Quote from: cl94 on February 01, 2016, 03:13:33 PM
NYSTA does a similar thing. If you're going fast enough to trigger a letter, at least in NY, the reader probably didn't get your E-ZPass.
Then more than likely your tag is installed wrong, if at all. "Waiving it" at the reader doesn't count. MTA warns they may take improperly installed tags.
Quote from: Rothman on February 01, 2016, 04:33:58 PM
I thought we were talking about calculated speeds between entrance and exit points.
We are, but in a thread about raising the speed limit to 70 in PA. :wave:
With that in mind, the ORT sections of the Turnpike are signed at 55. However, the physics of the system certainly can handle speeds much higher.
Quote from: Flyer78 on February 01, 2016, 04:57:13 PM
Quote from: cl94 on February 01, 2016, 03:13:33 PM
NYSTA does a similar thing. If you're going fast enough to trigger a letter, at least in NY, the reader probably didn't get your E-ZPass.
Then more than likely your tag is installed wrong, if at all. "Waiving it" at the reader doesn't count. MTA warns they may take improperly installed tags.
Huh? I've known more than a couple of people who blew through E-ZPass lanes and ended up getting tickets simply because they were going too fast.
Quote from: Rothman on February 01, 2016, 05:25:03 PM
Quote from: Flyer78 on February 01, 2016, 04:57:13 PM
Quote from: cl94 on February 01, 2016, 03:13:33 PM
NYSTA does a similar thing. If you're going fast enough to trigger a letter, at least in NY, the reader probably didn't get your E-ZPass.
Then more than likely your tag is installed wrong, if at all. "Waiving it" at the reader doesn't count. MTA warns they may take improperly installed tags.
Huh? I've known more than a couple of people who blew through E-ZPass lanes and ended up getting tickets simply because they were going too fast.
No, my tag is mounted properly. Below the rearview mirror. Per NY law, must be in a spot that cannot be normally seen by the driver. A lot of the 5 mph lanes don't read the tag until you're practically out of the booth. I've had cases where a full stop was required in an E-ZPass only lane.
They definitely send out tickets, but there range at many of the lanes is quite small. Have to be breaking 15-20 in a normal lane. Good luck getting it to read at that.
Quote from: Buffaboy on February 01, 2016, 01:32:46 PM
A little bit O.T., but I heard a professor today say that if your EZPass transponder arrives at a toll faster than the average speed on a route, you will get a fee for speeding. Is this true?
No. Only place I have heard of such speed limit enforcement is on the (tolled)
Autoroute system in France.
There,
supposedly you can get a speeding ticket if the travel time between the entry and exit points is "too low" (and the average speed is "too high").
Quote from: Buffaboy on February 01, 2016, 01:32:46 PM
A little bit O.T., but I heard a professor today say that if your EZPass transponder arrives at a toll faster than the average speed on a route, you will get a fee for speeding. Is this true?
Definitely not true on the PA Turnpike. The Turnpike (and the EZPass contractor) doesn't at all communicate EZPass data to the PA State Police (PSP), which has jurisdiction on the Turnpike.
"We're not in the law enforcement business," is how a friend who is a Turnpike official once expressed it to me. "That'e the PSP and we don't give them that information."
Quote from: Rothman on February 01, 2016, 05:25:03 PM
Quote from: Flyer78 on February 01, 2016, 04:57:13 PM
Quote from: cl94 on February 01, 2016, 03:13:33 PM
NYSTA does a similar thing. If you're going fast enough to trigger a letter, at least in NY, the reader probably didn't get your E-ZPass.
Then more than likely your tag is installed wrong, if at all. "Waiving it" at the reader doesn't count. MTA warns they may take improperly installed tags.
Huh? I've known more than a couple of people who blew through E-ZPass lanes and ended up getting tickets simply because they were going too fast.
What state or authority?
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 01, 2016, 09:36:31 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 01, 2016, 05:25:03 PM
Quote from: Flyer78 on February 01, 2016, 04:57:13 PM
Quote from: cl94 on February 01, 2016, 03:13:33 PM
NYSTA does a similar thing. If you're going fast enough to trigger a letter, at least in NY, the reader probably didn't get your E-ZPass.
Then more than likely your tag is installed wrong, if at all. "Waiving it" at the reader doesn't count. MTA warns they may take improperly installed tags.
Huh? I've known more than a couple of people who blew through E-ZPass lanes and ended up getting tickets simply because they were going too fast.
What state or authority?
NYSTA can issue tickets. Them and NYCDOT's school zone speed cameras are the only two types of speed camera tickets legal in New York.
This Q&A from July, 2014 says the NYSTA cannot issue speeding tickets...and doesn't have the authority to do so: http://www.westchestermagazine.com/Westchester-Magazine/July-2014/Can-You-Get-A-Speeding-Ticket-From-Your-E-ZPass/
Several other articles from around the web back up this claim, including http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/dec/20/e-z-pass-watches-records-speeders-issues-warning-b/
So, for all the people that claim they know people that have gotten speeding tickets, it still goes back to what I originally said: See a copy of the actual ticket. There's never been any actual true evidence someone has received a ticket.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 02, 2016, 06:30:35 AM
This Q&A from July, 2014 says the NYSTA cannot issue speeding tickets...and doesn't have the authority to do so: http://www.westchestermagazine.com/Westchester-Magazine/July-2014/Can-You-Get-A-Speeding-Ticket-From-Your-E-ZPass/
Several other articles from around the web back up this claim, including http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/dec/20/e-z-pass-watches-records-speeders-issues-warning-b/
So, for all the people that claim they know people that have gotten speeding tickets, it still goes back to what I originally said: See a copy of the actual ticket. There's never been any actual true evidence someone has received a ticket.
My apologies. What they can do is suspend or revoke your E-ZPass account.
Quote from: cl94 on February 02, 2016, 08:27:41 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 02, 2016, 06:30:35 AM
This Q&A from July, 2014 says the NYSTA cannot issue speeding tickets...and doesn't have the authority to do so: http://www.westchestermagazine.com/Westchester-Magazine/July-2014/Can-You-Get-A-Speeding-Ticket-From-Your-E-ZPass/
Several other articles from around the web back up this claim, including http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/dec/20/e-z-pass-watches-records-speeders-issues-warning-b/
So, for all the people that claim they know people that have gotten speeding tickets, it still goes back to what I originally said: See a copy of the actual ticket. There's never been any actual true evidence someone has received a ticket.
My apologies. What they can do is suspend or revoke your E-ZPass account.
And that a number of agencies can do, or have done in the past. Like I said, the NJ EZ Pass did that for a short time. The PANYNJ did that as well. I don't think either agency sends them out anymore (I know NJ EZ Pass doesn't).
Agencies in MD & VA do actively send out violations as well for illegally using the lane, although they go to the owner of the vehicle and not the driver. They don't send violation notices for speeding though.
I used to use the left, 35mph E-ZPass lanes at the Tappan Zee almost weekly.
One night in 2012 they were closed, so I took the right 5mph lane, forgetting to slow down.
The NYSTA sent me a nasty letter saying if I continued to go 20mph over the limit through their E-ZPass lanes, they would revoke my (NYSTA-issued) E-ZPass.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on February 02, 2016, 09:52:25 AM
I used to use the left, 35mph E-ZPass lanes at the Tappan Zee almost weekly.
One night in 2012 they were closed, so I took the right 5mph lane, forgetting to slow down.
The NYSTA sent me a nasty letter saying if I continued to go 20mph over the limit through their E-ZPass lanes, they would revoke my (NYSTA-issued) E-ZPass.
NYSTA gives you one warning letter before they revoke or suspend. Tappan Zee is one of the few places I've seen where the converted lanes can actually read at a high speed. I know people who have had them taken away, hence why I'm very careful to follow the posted speed limits in the lanes.
It looks like they give you a nice cushion though. 5 mph thru a lane is way too slow. When EZ Pass first started on the Garden State Parkway, it was somewhat of a joke that there was a 5 mph speed limit in the EZ Pass lane, but in the exact change lanes motorists were able to toss their 35 cents into a coin basket doing 15 - 20 mph and keep going.
The DRPA bridges have 5 mph limits as well, along with gates. I've timed it on the Walt Whitman Bridge where I can go 22 mph and the gate will rise with minimal time to spare. The Commodore Barry Bridge needs a little more time - I can do about 15 mph there. When the DRJTBC's US 1 Bridge over the Delaware had gates, you practically had to kiss the gate with your bumper to be close enough for the reader to "see" the EZ Pass. They've since eliminated the gates.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 01, 2016, 09:36:31 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 01, 2016, 05:25:03 PM
Quote from: Flyer78 on February 01, 2016, 04:57:13 PM
Quote from: cl94 on February 01, 2016, 03:13:33 PM
NYSTA does a similar thing. If you're going fast enough to trigger a letter, at least in NY, the reader probably didn't get your E-ZPass.
Then more than likely your tag is installed wrong, if at all. "Waiving it" at the reader doesn't count. MTA warns they may take improperly installed tags.
Huh? I've known more than a couple of people who blew through E-ZPass lanes and ended up getting tickets simply because they were going too fast.
What state or authority?
NYSTA.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 02, 2016, 10:24:34 AM
It looks like they give you a nice cushion though. 5 mph thru a lane is way too slow. When EZ Pass first started on the Garden State Parkway, it was somewhat of a joke that there was a 5 mph speed limit in the EZ Pass lane, but in the exact change lanes motorists were able to toss their 35 cents into a coin basket doing 15 - 20 mph and keep going.
The DRPA bridges have 5 mph limits as well, along with gates. I've timed it on the Walt Whitman Bridge where I can go 22 mph and the gate will rise with minimal time to spare. The Commodore Barry Bridge needs a little more time - I can do about 15 mph there. When the DRJTBC's US 1 Bridge over the Delaware had gates, you practically had to kiss the gate with your bumper to be close enough for the reader to "see" the EZ Pass. They've since eliminated the gates.
NYSTA's cushion is decent, but it's still way too slow. At the Peace Bridge and Niagara Falls bridges, I usually have to stop before the gate goes up.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 02, 2016, 10:24:34 AM
It looks like they give you a nice cushion though. 5 mph thru a lane is way too slow. When EZ Pass first started on the Garden State Parkway, it was somewhat of a joke that there was a 5 mph speed limit in the EZ Pass lane, but in the exact change lanes motorists were able to toss their 35 cents into a coin basket doing 15 - 20 mph and keep going.
The DRPA bridges have 5 mph limits as well, along with gates. I've timed it on the Walt Whitman Bridge where I can go 22 mph and the gate will rise with minimal time to spare. The Commodore Barry Bridge needs a little more time - I can do about 15 mph there. When the DRJTBC's US 1 Bridge over the Delaware had gates, you practically had to kiss the gate with your bumper to be close enough for the reader to "see" the EZ Pass. They've since eliminated the gates.
Where there is room, the all-ETC lanes should be open-road, with no reduction in the posted speed limit.
Quote from: cpzilliacus on February 02, 2016, 02:26:47 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 02, 2016, 10:24:34 AM
It looks like they give you a nice cushion though. 5 mph thru a lane is way too slow. When EZ Pass first started on the Garden State Parkway, it was somewhat of a joke that there was a 5 mph speed limit in the EZ Pass lane, but in the exact change lanes motorists were able to toss their 35 cents into a coin basket doing 15 - 20 mph and keep going.
The DRPA bridges have 5 mph limits as well, along with gates. I've timed it on the Walt Whitman Bridge where I can go 22 mph and the gate will rise with minimal time to spare. The Commodore Barry Bridge needs a little more time - I can do about 15 mph there. When the DRJTBC's US 1 Bridge over the Delaware had gates, you practically had to kiss the gate with your bumper to be close enough for the reader to "see" the EZ Pass. They've since eliminated the gates.
Where there is room, the all-ETC lanes should be open-road, with no reduction in the posted speed limit.
Quote from: cpzilliacus on February 02, 2016, 02:26:47 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 02, 2016, 10:24:34 AM
It looks like they give you a nice cushion though. 5 mph thru a lane is way too slow. When EZ Pass first started on the Garden State Parkway, it was somewhat of a joke that there was a 5 mph speed limit in the EZ Pass lane, but in the exact change lanes motorists were able to toss their 35 cents into a coin basket doing 15 - 20 mph and keep going.
The DRPA bridges have 5 mph limits as well, along with gates. I've timed it on the Walt Whitman Bridge where I can go 22 mph and the gate will rise with minimal time to spare. The Commodore Barry Bridge needs a little more time - I can do about 15 mph there. When the DRJTBC's US 1 Bridge over the Delaware had gates, you practically had to kiss the gate with your bumper to be close enough for the reader to "see" the EZ Pass. They've since eliminated the gates.
Where there is room, the all-ETC lanes should be open-road, with no reduction in the posted speed limit.
What is the theoretical maximum speed at which the equipment can read your transponder and/or license plate? Some people I know slow down at the express tolls because they are concerned that the payment will not be processed rather than because they will get speeding tickets.
Let's get back on subject here. This thread isn't about speeding in Ez-Pass lanes.
(Real quick...just to answer previous question...)
I've gone thru at 78 - 80 mph without a problem. On the free flow lanes on various ETC roads throughout the world I would imagine speeds are even greater than 80 mph. It's probably in the low 100 mph range I would imagine. The cameras are also top quality (my tag images when I used the toll road near Miami at highway speeds were crystal clear).
Well, the first hammer has dropped. The Turnpike will increase ALL 65 MPH zones to 70 MPH this spring. I'm shocked the Philly area is getting this.
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2016/03/16/Pennsylvania-Turnpike-to-increase-speed-limit-to-70-mph/stories/201603160107
Quote from: MASTERNC on March 16, 2016, 09:44:54 AM
Well, the first hammer has dropped. The Turnpike will increase ALL 65 MPH zones to 70 MPH this spring. I'm shocked the Philly area is getting this.
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2016/03/16/Pennsylvania-Turnpike-to-increase-speed-limit-to-70-mph/stories/201603160107
I'm happy but not all that surprised. Outside of the rush periods, you can easily crank it up to 70+ on the Turnpike between Valley Forge and the Delaware River.
The article doesn't explicitly say but I hope this is applying to the NE Extension as well.
Quote from: ekt8750 on March 16, 2016, 09:57:24 AM
Quote from: MASTERNC on March 16, 2016, 09:44:54 AM
Well, the first hammer has dropped. The Turnpike will increase ALL 65 MPH zones to 70 MPH this spring. I'm shocked the Philly area is getting this.
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2016/03/16/Pennsylvania-Turnpike-to-increase-speed-limit-to-70-mph/stories/201603160107
I'm happy but not all that surprised. Outside of the rush periods, you can easily crank it up to 70+ on the Turnpike between Valley Forge and the Delaware River.
The article doesn't explicitly say but I hope this is applying to the NE Extension as well.
QuoteWhat they found, he said, was that there was not a marked increase in the actual average speed of vehicles in the test area. Despite an increase in traffic, there also was a decrease in traffic accidents, he said.
This is significant being that traffic volumes are generally up throughout the nation as fuel prices have fallen. During the exam period, prices were 50 cents to $1.50 lower than just before the study period.
QuoteIn anticipation of the new speed limit, the commission already has installed black-and-gold markers known as chevrons to make curves easier to see, Mr. DeFebo said. New speed limit signs will have to be installed across the 450 miles of toll road before the limit can be increased.
The mainline is about 359 miles. The various extensions in the western part of the state total about 81 miles. Even if every single mile of these 2 roads are signed at 70 (which they're not due to the various 55 zones), that still wouldn't equal 450 miles. Thus, the 450 miles of toll road is almost certainly including the NE Extension.
The NE Extension is about 111 miles long, with all but the southern portion and the tunnel area signed at 65.
So of the roughly 561 miles of the PA Turnpike, 80% should be signed at 70 mph. Not bad at all.
Wow, that's welcome news! I think that the 70 MPH limit will also apply to the free Interstates (I-79, I-80, I-81, I-83, I-99)? Notice that I didn't mention I-76 and I-95, which meet in Philly; neither road would see the increase due to being in heavily urbanized areas.
Quote from: Henry on March 16, 2016, 10:40:40 AM
Wow, that's welcome news! I think that the 70 MPH limit will also apply to the free Interstates (I-79, I-80, I-81, I-83, I-99)? Notice that I didn't mention I-76 and I-95, which meet in Philly; neither road would see the increase due to being in heavily urbanized areas.
Possibly in due time. They still need to further study the non-toll roads.
It's a shot in hell, but I seriously wouldn't expect any 55 mph highway jump up to 70 mph, thus excluding 95 and 76 ex-Turnpike. But, there's really no reason to keep 95 at 55 mph north of, say, Street Road (and that's being generous) and south of I-76, although it does jam up significantly around the Blue Route & 322. I don't ever see 76 going up to 65. Hell, I'd be happy if the DRPA would get rid of their blanket maximum 45 mph in their jurisdiction, bumping the Walt Whitman Expressway portion of 76 up to 50 or 55.
Rarely mentioned is the fact that 95 is still 55 in DE north of Wilmington. There's really no reason this can't be increased to 65 as well.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 16, 2016, 11:12:43 AM
Quote from: Henry on March 16, 2016, 10:40:40 AM
Wow, that's welcome news! I think that the 70 MPH limit will also apply to the free Interstates (I-79, I-80, I-81, I-83, I-99)? Notice that I didn't mention I-76 and I-95, which meet in Philly; neither road would see the increase due to being in heavily urbanized areas.
Possibly in due time. They still need to further study the non-toll roads.
It's a shot in hell, but I seriously wouldn't expect any 55 mph highway jump up to 70 mph, thus excluding 95 and 76 ex-Turnpike. But, there's really no reason to keep 95 at 55 mph north of, say, Street Road (and that's being generous) and south of I-76, although it does jam up significantly around the Blue Route & 322. I don't ever see 76 going up to 65. Hell, I'd be happy if the DRPA would get rid of their blanket maximum 45 mph in their jurisdiction, bumping the Walt Whitman Expressway portion of 76 up to 50 or 55.
Rarely mentioned is the fact that 95 is still 55 in DE north of Wilmington. There's really no reason this can't be increased to 65 as well.
76 is only 55 west of City Line Av. Between there and the Blue Route 55 is just fine given the terrain. I wouldn't want any semis thinking they can traverse the Conshy curve any faster than that.
I think the Blue Route could easily be 65-70 between PA 3 and the Turnpike, esp after the upgrades the northern portion received recently. Maybe if the southern half ever gets widened this can happen there too.
Quote from: MASTERNC on March 16, 2016, 09:44:54 AM
Well, the first hammer has dropped. The Turnpike will increase ALL 65 MPH zones to 70 MPH this spring. I'm shocked the Philly area is getting this.
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2016/03/16/Pennsylvania-Turnpike-to-increase-speed-limit-to-70-mph/stories/201603160107
I was hoping the article would say WHEN in Spring. Any chance before the Central PA meet?
Quote from: Henry on March 16, 2016, 10:40:40 AM
Wow, that's welcome news! I think that the 70 MPH limit will also apply to the free Interstates (I-79, I-80, I-81, I-83, I-99)? Notice that I didn't mention I-76 and I-95, which meet in Philly; neither road would see the increase due to being in heavily urbanized areas.
According to this article, it is expected the increase will be officially announced at a press conference with PennDOT, who would also announce further increases on non-toll highways.
http://www.goerie.com/pa-turnpike-speed-limit-to-increase-to-70-interstates-could-follow
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 16, 2016, 11:12:43 AM
Quote from: Henry on March 16, 2016, 10:40:40 AM
Wow, that's welcome news! I think that the 70 MPH limit will also apply to the free Interstates (I-79, I-80, I-81, I-83, I-99)? Notice that I didn't mention I-76 and I-95, which meet in Philly; neither road would see the increase due to being in heavily urbanized areas.
Possibly in due time. They still need to further study the non-toll roads.
It's a shot in hell, but I seriously wouldn't expect any 55 mph highway jump up to 70 mph, thus excluding 95 and 76 ex-Turnpike. But, there's really no reason to keep 95 at 55 mph north of, say, Street Road (and that's being generous) and south of I-76, although it does jam up significantly around the Blue Route & 322. I don't ever see 76 going up to 65. Hell, I'd be happy if the DRPA would get rid of their blanket maximum 45 mph in their jurisdiction, bumping the Walt Whitman Expressway portion of 76 up to 50 or 55.
Rarely mentioned is the fact that 95 is still 55 in DE north of Wilmington. There's really no reason this can't be increased to 65 as well.
95 is 55 mph north of Wilmington solely to encourage drivers to use 495. As for PA, the constrained areas of 95 south of the airport plus the two major junctions of 476 and 322 are enough that it will never be signed at 65 down there. North of Street Road, I can dream.
Quote from: Alps on March 16, 2016, 06:19:13 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 16, 2016, 11:12:43 AM
Quote from: Henry on March 16, 2016, 10:40:40 AM
Wow, that's welcome news! I think that the 70 MPH limit will also apply to the free Interstates (I-79, I-80, I-81, I-83, I-99)? Notice that I didn't mention I-76 and I-95, which meet in Philly; neither road would see the increase due to being in heavily urbanized areas.
Possibly in due time. They still need to further study the non-toll roads.
It's a shot in hell, but I seriously wouldn't expect any 55 mph highway jump up to 70 mph, thus excluding 95 and 76 ex-Turnpike. But, there's really no reason to keep 95 at 55 mph north of, say, Street Road (and that's being generous) and south of I-76, although it does jam up significantly around the Blue Route & 322. I don't ever see 76 going up to 65. Hell, I'd be happy if the DRPA would get rid of their blanket maximum 45 mph in their jurisdiction, bumping the Walt Whitman Expressway portion of 76 up to 50 or 55.
Rarely mentioned is the fact that 95 is still 55 in DE north of Wilmington. There's really no reason this can't be increased to 65 as well.
95 is 55 mph north of Wilmington solely to encourage drivers to use 495. As for PA, the constrained areas of 95 south of the airport plus the two major junctions of 476 and 322 are enough that it will never be signed at 65 down there. North of Street Road, I can dream.
That was the case when they first allowed 65 mph in Delaware - 495 was signed 65 mph at the very beginning so that motorists could clearly see that 495 was 65 mph.
Today, Delaware's I-95, 65 zone officially goes thru the 95/495 split. 55 mph doesn't begin on 95 until about 3/4 mile after that point. Here's the split on GSV as of November, 2015: https://goo.gl/maps/N3dMg1zTSDp At this point, it's fully 65 mph for both directions, with neither giving a hint as to the upcoming speed limit.
Quote from: MASTERNC on March 16, 2016, 06:05:57 PM
Quote from: Henry on March 16, 2016, 10:40:40 AM
Wow, that's welcome news! I think that the 70 MPH limit will also apply to the free Interstates (I-79, I-80, I-81, I-83, I-99)? Notice that I didn't mention I-76 and I-95, which meet in Philly; neither road would see the increase due to being in heavily urbanized areas.
According to this article, it is expected the increase will be officially announced at a press conference with PennDOT, who would also announce further increases on non-toll highways.
http://www.goerie.com/pa-turnpike-speed-limit-to-increase-to-70-interstates-could-follow
Now if only I-90 could be
at least 65 border-to-border...Of course, the odds are better seeing a crotch rocket doing 10 miles
below the speed limit on a near-empty freeway. Hey, I can dream, can't I???
Maybe now that an adjoining roadway has a 70mph speed limit, NJ would consider raising parts of the NJ Turnpike to 70mph. Of course that would be as likely as I-90 getting a bump.
Quote from: NJRoadfan on March 17, 2016, 10:54:14 PM
Maybe now that an adjoining roadway has a 70mph speed limit, NJ would consider raising parts of the NJ Turnpike to 70mph. Of course that would be as likely as I-90 getting a bump.
What one state does has nothing to do with an adjoining state's speed limits. Otherwise, we wouldn't be having discussions regarding why there's upwards of 20 mph drops at state lines on some roads. Every state would have 80 mph limits, because once one state raised their limit, then every other state should've followed. Heck, it took Delaware nearly two decades to match I-95's speed limit with adjoining Maryland's 65 mph limit.
Sure, the reasoning will be used by some as to why the speed limit should be raised, but no state would ever say "We're going to raise our speed limit, not based on any design standards, traffic volumes, or other sound traffic engineering standards, but because the state next to us has a higher speed limit".
Quote from: NJRoadfan on March 17, 2016, 10:54:14 PM
Maybe now that an adjoining roadway has a 70mph speed limit, NJ would consider raising parts of the NJ Turnpike to 70mph. Of course that would be as likely as I-90 getting a bump.
Declan O'Scanlon beat you by four hours: http://nj1015.com/is-65-mph-too-slow-for-nj-this-lawmaker-says-raise-the-speed-limit/
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 18, 2016, 08:26:10 AM
Quote from: NJRoadfan on March 17, 2016, 10:54:14 PM
Maybe now that an adjoining roadway has a 70mph speed limit, NJ would consider raising parts of the NJ Turnpike to 70mph. Of course that would be as likely as I-90 getting a bump.
What one state does has nothing to do with an adjoining state's speed limits. Otherwise, we wouldn't be having discussions regarding why there's upwards of 20 mph drops at state lines on some roads. Every state would have 80 mph limits, because once one state raised their limit, then every other state should've followed. Heck, it took Delaware nearly two decades to match I-95's speed limit with adjoining Maryland's 65 mph limit.
Sure, the reasoning will be used by some as to why the speed limit should be raised, but no state would ever say "We're going to raise our speed limit, not based on any design standards, traffic volumes, or other sound traffic engineering standards, but because the state next to us has a higher speed limit".
I would think the higher limit on the other side would prove that standards DO say the limit should be higher, as usually the state with the lower limit is lower because some politician pulled a number out of their rear. IMO politicians should have NO say whatsoever over what speed limits are. In any case, state's don't usually blanket the entire road with a uniform speed limit, so no, we would NOT all be 80 if every state raised them limit when the next state had a different one.
Quote from: Mr. Matté on March 18, 2016, 12:38:32 PM
Quote from: NJRoadfan on March 17, 2016, 10:54:14 PM
Maybe now that an adjoining roadway has a 70mph speed limit, NJ would consider raising parts of the NJ Turnpike to 70mph. Of course that would be as likely as I-90 getting a bump.
Declan O'Scanlon beat you by four hours: http://nj1015.com/is-65-mph-too-slow-for-nj-this-lawmaker-says-raise-the-speed-limit/
He has a point. The limit could be 90 and they'd still get a bunch of people.
Quote from: vdeane on March 18, 2016, 02:15:22 PMI would think the higher limit on the other side would prove that standards DO say the limit should be higher...
Quotewe would NOT all be 80 if every state raised them limit when the next state had a different one.
Aren't these directly opposite of each other? You stated if one state has a higher limit, the other state should have a higher limit. But then you stated if one state has a higher limit, then the other state wouldn't have a higher limit. :confused:
Quote from: Mr. Matté on March 18, 2016, 12:38:32 PM
Quote from: NJRoadfan on March 17, 2016, 10:54:14 PM
Maybe now that an adjoining roadway has a 70mph speed limit, NJ would consider raising parts of the NJ Turnpike to 70mph. Of course that would be as likely as I-90 getting a bump.
Declan O'Scanlon beat you by four hours: http://nj1015.com/is-65-mph-too-slow-for-nj-this-lawmaker-says-raise-the-speed-limit/
Actually, O'Scanlon even beat Pennsylvania. He originally proposed a higher speed limit in NJ back in August, 2013, and was talked about extensively on these boards at that time: http://nj1015.com/75-mph-speed-limits-on-major-nj-highways-audio/ Yesterday's story appears to be more likely a result of a reporter calling O'Scanlon's office to inquire about that idea from 2.5 years ago, rather than anything he has spoken about currently.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 18, 2016, 02:50:36 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 18, 2016, 02:15:22 PMI would think the higher limit on the other side would prove that standards DO say the limit should be higher...
Quotewe would NOT all be 80 if every state raised them limit when the next state had a different one.
Aren't these directly opposite of each other? You stated if one state has a higher limit, the other state should have a higher limit. But then you stated if one state has a higher limit, then the other state wouldn't have a higher limit. :confused:
Huh? I'm talking about situations where an interstate arbitrarily drops in speed limit at a state line.
But that happens all throughout the country, and always has except when the NMSL was in effect. The most drastic examples probably include the R&P limit in Montana vs the limit in any bordering state, truck limits where one state has a split limit vs. another that doesn't, and 2 lane roads where one state permits a limit higher than 55 vs. a state which limits them to 55.
Getting back to PA/NJ, on the PA Turnpike the overriding factor will be that the PA/NJ Turnpike Connector bridge is only currently signed at 50 or 55. Even if PA signs the Turnpike to 70, it won't be 70 to the state line - it'll be 70 to near the base of the bridge. NJ is currently 65 to the base of the bridge, where it drops to 50 or 55 as well. So even if NJ allows 70, it's extremely doubtful this bridge would suddenly jump 15 or 20 mph to 70 as well.
For other crossings between PA & NJ, I believe I-78 is the only one that maintains a continuous 65 mph across the bridge. The currently signed I-95 bridge should be able to handle it, but that's up to PA to allow 65 on I-95. And the lack of shoulders probably would hinder a 65 mph limit anyway until they reconstruct that crossing. Any other crossing is limited by geographical issues or highways on either side that wouldn't permit a 65 or 70 mph limit in the first place.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 19, 2016, 10:49:52 AM
But that happens all throughout the country, and always has except when the NMSL was in effect. The most drastic examples probably include the R&P limit in Montana vs the limit in any bordering state, truck limits where one state has a split limit vs. another that doesn't, and 2 lane roads where one state permits a limit higher than 55 vs. a state which limits them to 55.
Getting back to PA/NJ, on the PA Turnpike the overriding factor will be that the PA/NJ Turnpike Connector bridge is only currently signed at 50 or 55. Even if PA signs the Turnpike to 70, it won't be 70 to the state line - it'll be 70 to near the base of the bridge. NJ is currently 65 to the base of the bridge, where it drops to 50 or 55 as well. So even if NJ allows 70, it's extremely doubtful this bridge would suddenly jump 15 or 20 mph to 70 as well.
For other crossings between PA & NJ, I believe I-78 is the only one that maintains a continuous 65 mph across the bridge. The currently signed I-95 bridge should be able to handle it, but that's up to PA to allow 65 on I-95. And the lack of shoulders probably would hinder a 65 mph limit anyway until they reconstruct that crossing. Any other crossing is limited by geographical issues or highways on either side that wouldn't permit a 65 or 70 mph limit in the first place.
With the bridge, i see NJ signing it as 55 up to the toll plaza going east, and 55 going west due to the merge from exit 6a. We will have to see what the new bridge layout will be once the twin span is built and open.
As for the rest of the roads in PA, expect an announcement in mid-May
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2016/03/24/PennDOT-officials-analyzing-where-best-to-post-70-mph-limits/stories/201603240190
Per a news station in PA, said announcement will be today.
http://www.wfmj.com/story/31851828/pa-turnpike-to-announce-higher-speed-limit
Quote from: MASTERNC on May 02, 2016, 08:22:49 AM
Per a news station in PA, said announcement will be today.
http://www.wfmj.com/story/31851828/pa-turnpike-to-announce-higher-speed-limit
One has to wonder whether the I-276 stretch, currently posted at 65, will be included for a 70 mph limit as well. Such would make it the first highway in the immediate Delaware Valley area to receive such... at least in this century.
Quote from: PHLBOS on May 02, 2016, 08:43:28 AM
Quote from: MASTERNC on May 02, 2016, 08:22:49 AM
Per a news station in PA, said announcement will be today.
http://www.wfmj.com/story/31851828/pa-turnpike-to-announce-higher-speed-limit
One has to wonder whether the I-276 stretch, currently posted at 65, will be included for a 70 mph limit as well. Such would make it the first highway in the immediate Delaware Valley area to receive such... at least in this century.
Prior indications were the Commission approved 70 MPH for all segments currently signed at 65 MPH, which would include I-276. Whether or not the traffic volumes support it is another story.
Here's the press release. Changes begin tomorrow. They note over 1,000 miles of road will be 70 MPH, but a lot of interstates are missing. Future I-99 is included but no US highways otherwise.
http://padriverdetours.blogspot.com/2016/05/pennsylvania-turnpike-and-penndot.html?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed
QuotePennDOT roadways that are being posted with the new limit over the next few days (including current pilot areas) are:
I-79 from I-90 in Erie County south to a point just north of the PA 228 interchange in Butler County (97 miles)
I-79 from I-70 in Washington County south to the West Virginia border (33 miles)
I-80 from the Ohio State border east to a point near mile marker 190 in Clinton County (190 miles)
I-80 from a point near mile marker 195 in Union County to a point near mile marker 247 in Columbia County (52 miles)
US 15 from the interchange with PA 14 in Lycoming County north to the New York State border (49 miles)
I-99 from Exit No. 68 in Centre County south to a point near mile marker 34 in Blair County (34 miles)
I-99 from Exit No. 28 in Blair County south to mile marker 0 (PA Turnpike) in Bedford County (28 miles)
I-380 from I-84 in Lackawanna County south to Exit No. 3 in Monroe County (21 miles)
Turnpike travelers will encounter a higher speed limit on virtually the entire toll highway. "After we convert the remaining segments of our system, we will have 493 miles posted at 70 mph," said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. "As a result, Turnpike motorists will see a 70 mph speed limit on almost 90 percent of our 552-mile system."
Since the summer of 2014, the Turnpike speed limit has been 70 mph on a 97-mile stretch in south-central Pennsylvania between the Blue Mountain and Morgantown interchanges. All remaining sections of the PA Turnpike system that are now posted at 65 mph – including Turnpike extensions in southwestern PA – will be signed for 70 mph beginning May 3.
Areas of the PA Turnpike now posted at 55 mph will remain at 55 mph, including: work zones; the five tunnels; mainline toll plazas ( "barrier" plazas that stretch across travel lanes, such as Mid County and Delaware River Bridge in the southeast and Gateway and Warrendale in the west); the eastern slope of the Allegheny Mountain; and the seven-mile stretch east of the Bensalem Interchange in Bucks County (this section – now posted at 55 mph due to construction of the I-95/Turnpike link – will remain at 55 mph upon completion of the connections because of a lower design speed).
Quote from: MASTERNC on May 02, 2016, 01:44:37 PM
Here's the press release. Changes begin tomorrow. They note over 1,000 miles of road will be 70 MPH, but a lot of interstates are missing. Future I-99 is included but no US highways otherwise.
http://padriverdetours.blogspot.com/2016/05/pennsylvania-turnpike-and-penndot.html?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed
QuotePennDOT roadways that are being posted with the new limit over the next few days (including current pilot areas) are:
I-79 from I-90 in Erie County south to a point just north of the PA 228 interchange in Butler County (97 miles)
I-79 from I-70 in Washington County south to the West Virginia border (33 miles)
I-80 from the Ohio State border east to a point near mile marker 190 in Clinton County (190 miles)
I-80 from a point near mile marker 195 in Union County to a point near mile marker 247 in Columbia County (52 miles)
US 15 from the interchange with PA 14 in Lycoming County north to the New York State border (49 miles)
I-99 from Exit No. 68 in Centre County south to a point near mile marker 34 in Blair County (34 miles)
I-99 from Exit No. 28 in Blair County south to mile marker 0 (PA Turnpike) in Bedford County (28 miles)
I-380 from I-84 in Lackawanna County south to Exit No. 3 in Monroe County (21 miles)
Turnpike travelers will encounter a higher speed limit on virtually the entire toll highway. "After we convert the remaining segments of our system, we will have 493 miles posted at 70 mph," said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. "As a result, Turnpike motorists will see a 70 mph speed limit on almost 90 percent of our 552-mile system."
Since the summer of 2014, the Turnpike speed limit has been 70 mph on a 97-mile stretch in south-central Pennsylvania between the Blue Mountain and Morgantown interchanges. All remaining sections of the PA Turnpike system that are now posted at 65 mph – including Turnpike extensions in southwestern PA – will be signed for 70 mph beginning May 3.
Areas of the PA Turnpike now posted at 55 mph will remain at 55 mph, including: work zones; the five tunnels; mainline toll plazas ( "barrier" plazas that stretch across travel lanes, such as Mid County and Delaware River Bridge in the southeast and Gateway and Warrendale in the west); the eastern slope of the Allegheny Mountain; and the seven-mile stretch east of the Bensalem Interchange in Bucks County (this section – now posted at 55 mph due to construction of the I-95/Turnpike link – will remain at 55 mph upon completion of the connections because of a lower design speed).
It's a big improvement, but there are a lot of underposted 55mph freeway stretches that will still be 55.
Quote...and the seven-mile stretch east of the Bensalem Interchange in Bucks County (this section – now posted at 55 mph due to construction of the I-95/Turnpike link – will remain at 55 mph upon completion of the connections because of a lower design speed).
Wonder if this was an error, as the section was posted at 65 mph previously.
Quote from: Bitmapped on May 02, 2016, 02:15:04 PM
Quote from: MASTERNC on May 02, 2016, 01:44:37 PM
Here's the press release. Changes begin tomorrow. They note over 1,000 miles of road will be 70 MPH, but a lot of interstates are missing. Future I-99 is included but no US highways otherwise.
http://padriverdetours.blogspot.com/2016/05/pennsylvania-turnpike-and-penndot.html?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed
QuotePennDOT roadways that are being posted with the new limit over the next few days (including current pilot areas) are:
I-79 from I-90 in Erie County south to a point just north of the PA 228 interchange in Butler County (97 miles)
I-79 from I-70 in Washington County south to the West Virginia border (33 miles)
I-80 from the Ohio State border east to a point near mile marker 190 in Clinton County (190 miles)
I-80 from a point near mile marker 195 in Union County to a point near mile marker 247 in Columbia County (52 miles)
US 15 from the interchange with PA 14 in Lycoming County north to the New York State border (49 miles)
I-99 from Exit No. 68 in Centre County south to a point near mile marker 34 in Blair County (34 miles)
I-99 from Exit No. 28 in Blair County south to mile marker 0 (PA Turnpike) in Bedford County (28 miles)
I-380 from I-84 in Lackawanna County south to Exit No. 3 in Monroe County (21 miles)
Turnpike travelers will encounter a higher speed limit on virtually the entire toll highway. "After we convert the remaining segments of our system, we will have 493 miles posted at 70 mph," said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. "As a result, Turnpike motorists will see a 70 mph speed limit on almost 90 percent of our 552-mile system."
Since the summer of 2014, the Turnpike speed limit has been 70 mph on a 97-mile stretch in south-central Pennsylvania between the Blue Mountain and Morgantown interchanges. All remaining sections of the PA Turnpike system that are now posted at 65 mph – including Turnpike extensions in southwestern PA – will be signed for 70 mph beginning May 3.
Areas of the PA Turnpike now posted at 55 mph will remain at 55 mph, including: work zones; the five tunnels; mainline toll plazas ( "barrier" plazas that stretch across travel lanes, such as Mid County and Delaware River Bridge in the southeast and Gateway and Warrendale in the west); the eastern slope of the Allegheny Mountain; and the seven-mile stretch east of the Bensalem Interchange in Bucks County (this section – now posted at 55 mph due to construction of the I-95/Turnpike link – will remain at 55 mph upon completion of the connections because of a lower design speed).
It's a big improvement, but there are a lot of underposted 55mph freeway stretches that will still be 55.
A big omission is I-90 and I'm not even talking about the underposted section in Erie. West of Erie (and probably east of Erie as well) could be 70. Heck, the section west of Erie jumps up to 70 at the Ohio line with no real change in design. I-90 could theoretically be 70 from MA 128 to Chicago excluding the sections through Cleveland, Erie, Buffalo, and Albany.
The 6 laned portion of the Blue Route is under posted at 55. The general flow of traffic as it is is 70. I'm surprised that didn't get upgraded.
Quote from: ekt8750 on May 02, 2016, 02:59:41 PM
The 6 laned portion of the Blue Route is under posted at 55. The general flow of traffic as it is is 70. I'm surprised that didn't get upgraded.
My surprise was more US 222 in Lancaster County not being raised to 70 MPH. Maybe later on.
I-476 and the six laned sections of US 202 (north of PA 100) could go to 60 or 65 MPH easily.
Quote from: MASTERNC on May 02, 2016, 04:10:52 PM
Quote from: ekt8750 on May 02, 2016, 02:59:41 PM
The 6 laned portion of the Blue Route is under posted at 55. The general flow of traffic as it is is 70. I'm surprised that didn't get upgraded.
My surprise was more US 222 in Lancaster County not being raised to 70 MPH. Maybe later on.
I-476 and the six laned sections of US 202 (north of PA 100) could go to 60 or 65 MPH easily.
I don't think PA does 60. That may be the next logical step, though
I thought the southern section at six lanes was up to 65, but memory is a strange thing.
No I-81?
Quote from: Flyer78 on May 02, 2016, 04:30:34 PM
I thought the southern section at six lanes was up to 65, but memory is a strange thing.
Nope. 55 the entire length. Even the rebuild portion from 76 to the Turnpike is still 55.
I completely misread your post... Yes, Blue Route is all 55 -- I thought you meant the recently complete southern section of the Turnpike on 476 -- and that was all my fault in reading.
My surprises were US 15 around Gettysburg (MD line to just south of PA 94 where the 65 zone becomes 55 as the freeway ends) and I-176 (from Exits 2-10), but the PennDOT (http://www.penndot.gov/Pages/all-news-details.aspx?newsid=221#.VyfW4jArKhc) release says that more increases could come in the future.
Quote from: 74/171FAN on May 02, 2016, 06:43:09 PM
My surprises were US 15 around Gettysburg (MD line to just south of PA 94 where the 65 zone becomes 55 as the freeway ends) and I-176 (from Exits 2-10), but the PennDOT (http://www.penndot.gov/Pages/all-news-details.aspx?newsid=221#.VyfW4jArKhc) release says that more increases could come in the future.
Any rumors if I-90 west of Erie is one of those?
Quote from: cl94 on May 02, 2016, 06:50:50 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on May 02, 2016, 06:43:09 PM
My surprises were US 15 around Gettysburg (MD line to just south of PA 94 where the 65 zone becomes 55 as the freeway ends) and I-176 (from Exits 2-10), but the PennDOT (http://www.penndot.gov/Pages/all-news-details.aspx?newsid=221#.VyfW4jArKhc) release says that more increases could come in the future.
Any rumors if I-90 west of Erie is one of those?
The release has no mention of any zones outside of what was announced. The statement I was referring to was this directly from the release:
QuoteAreas that didn't qualify for the increase had crash histories; heavy, weaving traffic or characteristics that did not lend themselves to safe conversion to the higher limit. PennDOT will continue to review crash statistics for the newly posted areas and will consider information generated from ongoing studies before deciding on other areas that could see the higher limit.
Surprised I-84 from I-380 to the NY line or I-78 west of I-476 weren't included.
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on May 02, 2016, 07:34:03 PM
Surprised I-84 from I-380 to the NY line or I-78 west of I-476 weren't included.
I-78 is probably due to traffic and design. Most of it was constructed as US 22 and, as such, predates the Interstate system. I can almost guarantee that I-84 is for terrain. I wouldn't necessarily compare PennDOT's speed limit standards to those of PTC.
Quote from: cl94 on May 02, 2016, 07:41:49 PM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on May 02, 2016, 07:34:03 PM
Surprised I-84 from I-380 to the NY line or I-78 west of I-476 weren't included.
I-78 is probably due to traffic and design. Most of it was constructed as US 22 and, as such, predates the Interstate system. I can almost guarantee that I-84 is for terrain. I wouldn't necessarily compare PennDOT's speed limit standards to those of PTC.
I-78 is still 55 from PA 143 (Exit 35) to the eastern split with PA 309 (Exit 60). The only portion of I-78 that may have even been under consideration was I-81 (Exit 1) to PA 61 (Exit 29), but again the design on the US 22 concurrency predates the interstate system.
Note that the I-78 interchange at PA 737 (Exit 40) in Krumsville is currently being redone. The ultimate plan is for truck climbing lanes (http://www.wfmz.com/news/news-regional-berks/Local/penn-dot-moving-forward-with-several-projects-to-improve-i78-safety/33505952) to be added in that area. I would not exactly expect a speed limit increase here though for the foreseeable future though.
Quote from: MASTERNC on May 02, 2016, 01:44:37 PM
QuoteI-79 from I-90 in Erie County south to a point just north of the PA 228 interchange in Butler County (97 miles)
So, it seems that they aren't going to upgrade the 65mph segment between PA-910 and PA-228. :/
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on May 02, 2016, 09:03:45 PM
Quote from: MASTERNC on May 02, 2016, 01:44:37 PM
QuoteI-79 from I-90 in Erie County south to a point just north of the PA 228 interchange in Butler County (97 miles)
So, it seems that they aren't going to upgrade the 65mph segment between PA-910 and PA-228. :/
My guess is all the traffic around Cranberry has something to do with that.
Quote from: cl94 on May 02, 2016, 02:28:49 PM
Quote from: Bitmapped on May 02, 2016, 02:15:04 PM
Quote from: MASTERNC on May 02, 2016, 01:44:37 PM
Here's the press release. Changes begin tomorrow. They note over 1,000 miles of road will be 70 MPH, but a lot of interstates are missing. Future I-99 is included but no US highways otherwise.
http://padriverdetours.blogspot.com/2016/05/pennsylvania-turnpike-and-penndot.html?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed
QuotePennDOT roadways that are being posted with the new limit over the next few days (including current pilot areas) are:
I-79 from I-90 in Erie County south to a point just north of the PA 228 interchange in Butler County (97 miles)
I-79 from I-70 in Washington County south to the West Virginia border (33 miles)
I-80 from the Ohio State border east to a point near mile marker 190 in Clinton County (190 miles)
I-80 from a point near mile marker 195 in Union County to a point near mile marker 247 in Columbia County (52 miles)
US 15 from the interchange with PA 14 in Lycoming County north to the New York State border (49 miles)
I-99 from Exit No. 68 in Centre County south to a point near mile marker 34 in Blair County (34 miles)
I-99 from Exit No. 28 in Blair County south to mile marker 0 (PA Turnpike) in Bedford County (28 miles)
I-380 from I-84 in Lackawanna County south to Exit No. 3 in Monroe County (21 miles)
Turnpike travelers will encounter a higher speed limit on virtually the entire toll highway. “After we convert the remaining segments of our system, we will have 493 miles posted at 70 mph,” said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “As a result, Turnpike motorists will see a 70 mph speed limit on almost 90 percent of our 552-mile system.”
Since the summer of 2014, the Turnpike speed limit has been 70 mph on a 97-mile stretch in south-central Pennsylvania between the Blue Mountain and Morgantown interchanges. All remaining sections of the PA Turnpike system that are now posted at 65 mph — including Turnpike extensions in southwestern PA — will be signed for 70 mph beginning May 3.
Areas of the PA Turnpike now posted at 55 mph will remain at 55 mph, including: work zones; the five tunnels; mainline toll plazas ( “barrier” plazas that stretch across travel lanes, such as Mid County and Delaware River Bridge in the southeast and Gateway and Warrendale in the west); the eastern slope of the Allegheny Mountain; and the seven-mile stretch east of the Bensalem Interchange in Bucks County (this section — now posted at 55 mph due to construction of the I-95/Turnpike link — will remain at 55 mph upon completion of the connections because of a lower design speed).
It's a big improvement, but there are a lot of underposted 55mph freeway stretches that will still be 55.
A big omission is I-90 and I'm not even talking about the underposted section in Erie. West of Erie (and probably east of Erie as well) could be 70. Heck, the section west of Erie jumps up to 70 at the Ohio line with no real change in design. I-90 could theoretically be 70 from MA 128 to Chicago excluding the sections through Cleveland, Erie, Buffalo, and Albany.
My thoughts exactly when I read about this. From a layman's perspective, I think it's for speed "continuity" between I-90 in NY and PA, but I have no clue why they would omit it.
Also just to add, I-90 could be 60 in Buffalo as well, but that won't happen.
Especially west of Erie... I-90 is 70 in Ohio. And if continuity was a factor, US 15 wouldn't be 70 to the NY line.
My guess for I-90 (and I-70, I-83, I-78 west of Allentown, I-81 north of Scranton) is all a combination of traffic counts and the older design specs, as those sections were built earlier than most)...unless (or and) those sections have a higher accident rate, which was quoted as one of the reasons why some sections kept the lower 65. All those sections have narrower median widths and I believe lower overpasses. I-90 in Ohio, I believe the median gets significantly wider.
Quote from: 74/171FAN on May 02, 2016, 06:59:14 PM
Quote from: cl94 on May 02, 2016, 06:50:50 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on May 02, 2016, 06:43:09 PM
My surprises were US 15 around Gettysburg (MD line to just south of PA 94 where the 65 zone becomes 55 as the freeway ends) and I-176 (from Exits 2-10), but the PennDOT (http://www.penndot.gov/Pages/all-news-details.aspx?newsid=221#.VyfW4jArKhc) release says that more increases could come in the future.
Any rumors if I-90 west of Erie is one of those?
The release has no mention of any zones outside of what was announced. The statement I was referring to was this directly from the release:
QuoteAreas that didn't qualify for the increase had crash histories; heavy, weaving traffic or characteristics that did not lend themselves to safe conversion to the higher limit. PennDOT will continue to review crash statistics for the newly posted areas and will consider information generated from ongoing studies before deciding on other areas that could see the higher limit.
What PennDOT needs to do is set a Variable Speed Limit for all of I-90 in PA and shell out some cash for VSL signs along the route. Make it 70 MPH during the dry/warm weather months and lower it in the colder months when snow/fog/ice/blizzard conditions dictate the speed.
The design of the freeway is not even close to how bad and ancient I-70 downstate is. And traffic is not that bad. It's a bunch of politicians who probably want to keep the speed low. Most of the "accident" rates they use to defend the 55 zone probably include the multi-vehicle wrecks that happen during the winter months when traffic is already going less than 55 in near whiteout conditions.
Quote from: thenetwork on May 03, 2016, 04:43:06 PMWhat PennDOT needs to do is set a Variable Speed Limit for all of I-90 in PA and shell out some cash for VSL signs along the route.
Maybe VSLs are the way to go for highways (non-PA Turnpike) within the Greater Philadelphia area. Yes, there are times where I-95 and I-476 (Blue Route portion) are both parking lots; but there are also other times when both roads have freely-flowing traffic (and not just at 1 or 2 AM). While a
posted speed of 70 might be pushing it along those roads; 65 would be reasonable.
One has to wonder had I-476 opened in, say 1972; would it have received a higher posted limit?
Quote from: PHLBOS on May 03, 2016, 05:12:10 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on May 03, 2016, 04:43:06 PMWhat PennDOT needs to do is set a Variable Speed Limit for all of I-90 in PA and shell out some cash for VSL signs along the route.
Maybe VSLs are the way to go for highways (non-PA Turnpike) within the Greater Philadelphia area. Yes, there are times where I-95 and I-476 (Blue Route portion) are both parking lots; but there are also other times when both roads have freely-flowing traffic (and not just at 1 or 2 AM). While a posted speed of 70 might be pushing it along those roads; 65 would be reasonable.
One has to wonder had I-476 opened in, say 1972; would it have received a higher posted limit?
It might be debated, but VSLs are also claimed to reduce congestion by setting lower speed limits at rush hour (the theory that acceleration back to 55 MPH before having to brake suddenly is a cause of a lot of slowdowns).
Quote from: jemacedo9 on May 03, 2016, 03:51:16 PM
My guess for I-90 (and I-70, I-83, I-78 west of Allentown, I-81 north of Scranton) is all a combination of traffic counts and the older design specs, as those sections were built earlier than most)...unless (or and) those sections have a higher accident rate, which was quoted as one of the reasons why some sections kept the lower 65. All those sections have narrower median widths and I believe lower overpasses. I-90 in Ohio, I believe the median gets significantly wider.
The bridge over I-78 at exit 16 in Bethel, PA was 13' 11" in August 2012 per GSV. I stayed at the Comfort Inn at that exit a couple of nights in the summer of 2010 and had "fun" watching the semis barely clear the overpass. I would not want have been atop a semi trailer, even laying down. This would've been a perfect place for an overhead "If you hit that sign, you will hit that bridge" sign.
ixnay
Quote from: ixnay on May 03, 2016, 09:51:33 PM
Quote from: jemacedo9 on May 03, 2016, 03:51:16 PM
My guess for I-90 (and I-70, I-83, I-78 west of Allentown, I-81 north of Scranton) is all a combination of traffic counts and the older design specs, as those sections were built earlier than most)...unless (or and) those sections have a higher accident rate, which was quoted as one of the reasons why some sections kept the lower 65. All those sections have narrower median widths and I believe lower overpasses. I-90 in Ohio, I believe the median gets significantly wider.
The bridge over I-78 at exit 16 in Bethel, PA was 13' 11" in August 2012 per GSV. I stayed at the Comfort Inn at that exit a couple of nights in the summer of 2010 and had "fun" watching the semis barely clear the overpass. I would not want have been atop a semi trailer, even laying down. This would've been a perfect place for an overhead "If you hit that sign, you will hit that bridge" sign.
ixnay
Since the legal height is 13' 6" and every truck would be built not to exceed that height, there should be no reason why that bridge would get hit.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 03, 2016, 10:14:30 PM
Quote from: ixnay on May 03, 2016, 09:51:33 PM
Quote from: jemacedo9 on May 03, 2016, 03:51:16 PM
My guess for I-90 (and I-70, I-83, I-78 west of Allentown, I-81 north of Scranton) is all a combination of traffic counts and the older design specs, as those sections were built earlier than most)...unless (or and) those sections have a higher accident rate, which was quoted as one of the reasons why some sections kept the lower 65. All those sections have narrower median widths and I believe lower overpasses. I-90 in Ohio, I believe the median gets significantly wider.
The bridge over I-78 at exit 16 in Bethel, PA was 13' 11" in August 2012 per GSV. I stayed at the Comfort Inn at that exit a couple of nights in the summer of 2010 and had "fun" watching the semis barely clear the overpass. I would not want have been atop a semi trailer, even laying down. This would've been a perfect place for an overhead "If you hit that sign, you will hit that bridge" sign.
ixnay
Since the legal height is 13' 6" and every truck would be built not to exceed that height, there should be no reason why that bridge would get hit.
I was always wondering about that height. I remember years ago when I lived in NJ, one of the big three news of either Chanel 2, 4, or 7 had a story about trucks and overpasses. Are trucks getting too high or overpasses getting low, and I forgot what their determination was on the story, and what sparked it was the overpasses on Route 17 in Paramus getting hit even after the warning height labels were attached to the bridge. The reporters used the scuff marks on those particular overpasses to make their point that semis were hitting some overpasses.
Of course the Holland Tunnel is out for those over 12' 6" as that is the headroom for that river crossing LOL.
Quote from: roadman65 on May 04, 2016, 04:49:04 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 03, 2016, 10:14:30 PM
Quote from: ixnay on May 03, 2016, 09:51:33 PM
Quote from: jemacedo9 on May 03, 2016, 03:51:16 PM
My guess for I-90 (and I-70, I-83, I-78 west of Allentown, I-81 north of Scranton) is all a combination of traffic counts and the older design specs, as those sections were built earlier than most)...unless (or and) those sections have a higher accident rate, which was quoted as one of the reasons why some sections kept the lower 65. All those sections have narrower median widths and I believe lower overpasses. I-90 in Ohio, I believe the median gets significantly wider.
The bridge over I-78 at exit 16 in Bethel, PA was 13' 11" in August 2012 per GSV. I stayed at the Comfort Inn at that exit a couple of nights in the summer of 2010 and had "fun" watching the semis barely clear the overpass. I would not want have been atop a semi trailer, even laying down. This would've been a perfect place for an overhead "If you hit that sign, you will hit that bridge" sign.
ixnay
Since the legal height is 13' 6" and every truck would be built not to exceed that height, there should be no reason why that bridge would get hit.
I was always wondering about that height. I remember years ago when I lived in NJ, one of the big three news of either Chanel 2, 4, or 7 had a story about trucks and overpasses. Are trucks getting too high or overpasses getting low, and I forgot what their determination was on the story, and what sparked it was the overpasses on Route 17 in Paramus getting hit even after the warning height labels were attached to the bridge. The reporters used the scuff marks on those particular overpasses to make their point that semis were hitting some overpasses.
Of course the Holland Tunnel is out for those over 12' 6" as that is the headroom for that river crossing LOL.
The only trucks that would hit overpasses would be those that don't have a flat roof, such as trash dumpsters, car carriers, flatbeds with cranes and other large equipment, etc. Those have the possibility of being loaded above the maximum height.
In the 295/76/42 construction zone where the right shoulder is being used, there's a clearance marker of 13' 7" for 295 South traffic under 76/42. That one is tight, but I've yet to hear about a truck hitting it. There's no advanced warning either!
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 03, 2016, 10:14:30 PM
Quote from: ixnay on May 03, 2016, 09:51:33 PM
Quote from: jemacedo9 on May 03, 2016, 03:51:16 PM
My guess for I-90 (and I-70, I-83, I-78 west of Allentown, I-81 north of Scranton) is all a combination of traffic counts and the older design specs, as those sections were built earlier than most)...unless (or and) those sections have a higher accident rate, which was quoted as one of the reasons why some sections kept the lower 65. All those sections have narrower median widths and I believe lower overpasses. I-90 in Ohio, I believe the median gets significantly wider.
The bridge over I-78 at exit 16 in Bethel, PA was 13' 11" in August 2012 per GSV. I stayed at the Comfort Inn at that exit a couple of nights in the summer of 2010 and had "fun" watching the semis barely clear the overpass. I would not want have been atop a semi trailer, even laying down. This would've been a perfect place for an overhead "If you hit that sign, you will hit that bridge" sign.
ixnay
Since the legal height is 13' 6" and every truck would be built not to exceed that height, there should be no reason why that bridge would get hit.
From the distance at which I watched those trucks go under at 65 or more, it looked suspenseful nevertheless. Yet I felt strangely confident that they wouldn't hit.
ixnay
I-90 past Erie, I-70 from Breezewood to the Maryland state line, and I-99 from State College to I-80 should all be 70 MPH. I-79 from Washington to Cranberry should be 65 MPH. (For that matter, I-79 should be six-laned all the way from I-70 to I-376.)
An odd side effect of the Turnpike raising its speed limit is it is putting in the yellow "speed reduction" warning signs prior to the speed limit dropping to 55 near tunnels or toll plazas, but won't do the same for long-term construction projects. They have been signing 55 MPH about 1/2 mile before the work zone with no advance warning, resulting in an abrupt change (and, yes, I have seen cops running radar just before construction zones in the original test zone, right after the first 55 MPH sign).
I have e-mailed my State Rep (who contacted the Turnpike) and tweeted the Turnpike, with both inquiries receiving a response along the line of "we don't have to warn motorists of speed reductions for construction". Funny because some PennDOT districts do, so this isn't a state DOT policy. Kind of funny when they're imploring motorists to slow down in work zones but don't give much warning of a change.
Quote from: MASTERNC on May 04, 2016, 11:34:03 AM
An odd side effect of the Turnpike raising its speed limit is it is putting in the yellow "speed reduction" warning signs prior to the speed limit dropping to 55 near tunnels or toll plazas, but won't do the same for long-term construction projects. They have been signing 55 MPH about 1/2 mile before the work zone with no advance warning, resulting in an abrupt change (and, yes, I have seen cops running radar just before construction zones in the original test zone, right after the first 55 MPH sign).
They could just be sitting there. They may even have their radar guns on. But it doesn't mean they're going after speeders. What better way to slow people down than to sit at the 55 mph sign to scare people to slow down.
Many radar guns are now 'instant on', so that radar detectors don't pick them up. Leave the radar gun in an 'on' position, and those with radar detectors will probably slow down in advance, which could be happening as well.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 04, 2016, 12:05:13 PM
Quote from: MASTERNC on May 04, 2016, 11:34:03 AM
An odd side effect of the Turnpike raising its speed limit is it is putting in the yellow "speed reduction" warning signs prior to the speed limit dropping to 55 near tunnels or toll plazas, but won't do the same for long-term construction projects. They have been signing 55 MPH about 1/2 mile before the work zone with no advance warning, resulting in an abrupt change (and, yes, I have seen cops running radar just before construction zones in the original test zone, right after the first 55 MPH sign).
They could just be sitting there. They may even have their radar guns on. But it doesn't mean they're going after speeders. What better way to slow people down than to sit at the 55 mph sign to scare people to slow down.
Many radar guns are now 'instant on', so that radar detectors don't pick them up. Leave the radar gun in an 'on' position, and those with radar detectors will probably slow down in advance, which could be happening as well.
Nowadays, thanks to Waze, people don't even need a radar detector and a cop doesn't even have to be using a radar gun for people to get a warning. One person reports the cop and a warning is broadcast to all users passing through for an hour or two.
Quote from: MASTERNC on May 04, 2016, 11:34:03 AM
An odd side effect of the Turnpike raising its speed limit is it is putting in the yellow "speed reduction" warning signs prior to the speed limit dropping to 55 near tunnels or toll plazas, but won't do the same for long-term construction projects. They have been signing 55 MPH about 1/2 mile before the work zone with no advance warning, resulting in an abrupt change (and, yes, I have seen cops running radar just before construction zones in the original test zone, right after the first 55 MPH sign).
I have e-mailed my State Rep (who contacted the Turnpike) and tweeted the Turnpike, with both inquiries receiving a response along the line of "we don't have to warn motorists of speed reductions for construction". Funny because some PennDOT districts do, so this isn't a state DOT policy. Kind of funny when they're imploring motorists to slow down in work zones but don't give much warning of a change.
For drops from 65 to 55, PennDOT's style has been just to put up Speed Limit 55 signs without any "reduced speed ahead" warnings. I've seen where they've put up two pairs of Speed Limit 55 signs or added orange "flags" to the signs but I've never seen a "Reduced Speed 55 Ahead"-style sign that I can recall.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 04, 2016, 12:05:13 PM
They could just be sitting there. They may even have their radar guns on. But it doesn't mean they're going after speeders. What better way to slow people down than to sit at the 55 mph sign to scare people to slow down.
Many radar guns are now 'instant on', so that radar detectors don't pick them up. Leave the radar gun in an 'on' position, and those with radar detectors will probably slow down in advance, which could be happening as well.
If I remember right, the cop in that case did pull out and pull someone over after the construction zone, so he was likely checking speeds.
Quote from: Bitmapped on May 04, 2016, 12:23:19 PM
For drops from 65 to 55, PennDOT's style has been just to put up Speed Limit 55 signs without any "reduced speed ahead" warnings. I've seen where they've put up two pairs of Speed Limit 55 signs or added orange "flags" to the signs but I've never seen a "Reduced Speed 55 Ahead"-style sign that I can recall.
There's actually something in the Vehicle Code that mandates speed reduction signs if the change is more than 10 MPH, but it does not apply to speed limits above 50 MPH (strangely).
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/067/chapter212/s212.108.html
I can say that Texas will only drop 15 MPH at a time, and typically goes in increments of 10. I've seen them drop from 75 to 70, and then I know the next drop is to 55.
I drove I-99/US 220 between I-68 and State College yesterday. PennDOT has added W3-5 signs at the drops from 70mph to 55mph. The existing speed limit signs were replaced with entirely new Speed Limit 70 signs, not patched with 70 overlays like OH, WV, and MD did.
PennDOT kept a ~1.5-mile 65mph zone just north of the US 22 interchange. There's no warning of the drop from 70 to 65 or 65 to 55. Aside from that, all of the 65 zones are now 70. The 55 zones stayed the same.
I saw 70MPH on the PA Turnpike, parts of I-99 and parts of I-80 while driving home from Pittsburgh. The turnpike drops to 65 in the pittsburgh area if I remember right. 81 and 78 did not have 70mph zones that I saw (went 78 to 81 to 76 heading to pitt and 76 to 99 to 80 heading home)
From driving the Turnpike, I-99, and I-80 last week and US 15 earlier, I concur that almost all 65 zones are now 70. Quite shocking is how much of the Turnpike is 70. In most of PA, 70 is a reasonable speed limit and anything above 75 is often unsafe due to geometry. Kudos to PennDOT and PTC for making the speed limit close to what people actually drive.
Quote from: mariethefoxy on July 04, 2016, 11:42:26 PM
I saw 70MPH on the PA Turnpike, parts of I-99 and parts of I-80 while driving home from Pittsburgh. The turnpike drops to 65 in the pittsburgh area if I remember right. 81 and 78 did not have 70mph zones that I saw (went 78 to 81 to 76 heading to pitt and 76 to 99 to 80 heading home)
That is correct. None of I-81 or I-78 got any 70 zones for now.
Quote from: 74/171FAN on July 05, 2016, 07:05:21 AM
Quote from: mariethefoxy on July 04, 2016, 11:42:26 PM
I saw 70MPH on the PA Turnpike, parts of I-99 and parts of I-80 while driving home from Pittsburgh. The turnpike drops to 65 in the pittsburgh area if I remember right. 81 and 78 did not have 70mph zones that I saw (went 78 to 81 to 76 heading to pitt and 76 to 99 to 80 heading home)
That is correct. None of I-81 or I-78 got any 70 zones for now.
I would be interested to know if PA increases I-81 to 70mph between Chambersburg and the Mason-Dixon anytime soon. The segment of I-81 through MD has a 60mph section and there are long term plans to widen it throughout, and if PA does change the speed limit I-81 will change from 70 to 65 to 60 and back again south of I-70 and the Potomac River; I strongly doubt that MD will change any speed limit on I-81 prior to their long term widening project.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 19, 2016, 10:49:52 AM
But that happens all throughout the country, and always has except when the NMSL was in effect. The most drastic examples probably include the R&P limit in Montana vs the limit in any bordering state, truck limits where one state has a split limit vs. another that doesn't, and 2 lane roads where one state permits a limit higher than 55 vs. a state which limits them to 55.
Getting back to PA/NJ, on the PA Turnpike the overriding factor will be that the PA/NJ Turnpike Connector bridge is only currently signed at 50 or 55. Even if PA signs the Turnpike to 70, it won't be 70 to the state line - it'll be 70 to near the base of the bridge. NJ is currently 65 to the base of the bridge, where it drops to 50 or 55 as well. So even if NJ allows 70, it's extremely doubtful this bridge would suddenly jump 15 or 20 mph to 70 as well.
For other crossings between PA & NJ, I believe I-78 is the only one that maintains a continuous 65 mph across the bridge. The currently signed I-95 bridge should be able to handle it, but that's up to PA to allow 65 on I-95. And the lack of shoulders probably would hinder a 65 mph limit anyway until they reconstruct that crossing. Any other crossing is limited by geographical issues or highways on either side that wouldn't permit a 65 or 70 mph limit in the first place.
Jeff I can answer that for you regarding I-78 Delaware river bridge it's 65 mph Eastbound which is the same 65 mph zone that began after exit 60 PA-309 to Bergen Street Overpass in Newark, NJ but the westbound side is 55 mph after the CR-519 Springtown Road bridge to Exit 75 where 65 mph speed limit resumes again
Just a musing, but why hasn't PA increased the speed limit to 70 on I-78, I-81, I-84, or I-90? Seems silly to leave them out.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 13, 2020, 10:27:19 PM
Just a musing, but why hasn't PA increased the speed limit to 70 on I-78, I-81, I-84, or I-90? Seems silly to leave them out.
I-78 does not merit at all, with old geometry and truck traffic in 4 lanes. I-81 is a combo of said truck traffic and hilly terrain. I-84 could stand it, and I-90 if PA stopped trying to justify 55 mph with "it's within a few miles of the outskirts of Erie".
Nice 3 year old thread you revived here...
All of these are due to geometry and character of the road. PennDOT will only post 70 on rural sections of freeway with low-moderate traffic volumes and suitable geometry. 81 and 84 are generally mountainous and the part of 81 that isn't mountainous is high-volume. 78 is very substandard. I-90 is the one that sticks out here, because there is no reason it couldn't be 70 west of Erie. 84 could handle it, but I see why they're hesitant.
PTC will post 70 on most roads they maintain. But PennDOT isn't as generous.
Quote from: cl94 on May 14, 2020, 12:07:26 AM
Nice 3 year old thread you revived here...
All of these are due to geometry and character of the road. PennDOT will only post 70 on rural sections of freeway with low-moderate traffic volumes and suitable geometry. 81 and 84 are generally mountainous and the part of 81 that isn't mountainous is high-volume. 78 is very substandard. I-90 is the one that sticks out here, because there is no reason it couldn't be 70 west of Erie. 84 could handle it, but I see why they're hesitant.
PTC will post 70 on most roads they maintain. But PennDOT isn't as generous.
The PA turnpike is also mountainous, and I think I-80 is too.
Quote from: cl94 on May 14, 2020, 12:07:26 AM
Nice 3 year old thread you revived here...
All of these are due to geometry and character of the road. PennDOT will only post 70 on rural sections of freeway with low-moderate traffic volumes and suitable geometry. 81 and 84 are generally mountainous and the part of 81 that isn't mountainous is high-volume. 78 is very substandard. I-90 is the one that sticks out here, because there is no reason it couldn't be 70 west of Erie. 84 could handle it, but I see why they're hesitant.
PTC will post 70 on most roads they maintain. But PennDOT isn't as generous.
Having of course driven all the roads in question, I-84 is not nearly as mountainous as many stretches of I-80. It may have a couple of hills to it, but I think pretty much the whole route could stand to be 70.
Quote from: Alps on May 14, 2020, 12:49:42 AM
Quote from: cl94 on May 14, 2020, 12:07:26 AM
Nice 3 year old thread you revived here...
All of these are due to geometry and character of the road. PennDOT will only post 70 on rural sections of freeway with low-moderate traffic volumes and suitable geometry. 81 and 84 are generally mountainous and the part of 81 that isn't mountainous is high-volume. 78 is very substandard. I-90 is the one that sticks out here, because there is no reason it couldn't be 70 west of Erie. 84 could handle it, but I see why they're hesitant.
PTC will post 70 on most roads they maintain. But PennDOT isn't as generous.
Having of course driven all the roads in question, I-84 is not nearly as mountainous as many stretches of I-80. It may have a couple of hills to it, but I think pretty much the whole route could stand to be 70.
Agreed, or more. For all the talk about the mountains of I-80, it's not really that bad and with the exception of a few short stretches the whole route could be 75 or 80. I-84 could handle a 70 limit with no problems. Can't speak to I-90.
To throw in one more to this, how about I-70 between Breezewood & Maryland? The main justification I could see PennDOT having for 55 is the interchanges (in particular, the RIRO-like ramps at 151, 156, and 163 westbound).
Quote from: jmacswimmer on May 14, 2020, 02:09:30 PM
To throw in one more to this, how about I-70 between Breezewood & Maryland? The main justification I could see PennDOT having for 55 is the interchanges (in particular, the RIRO-like ramps at 151, 156, and 163 westbound).
Even with those interchanges, the speed limit should be at minimum 60 mph, preferably 65 mph.
If those interchanges were improved, then 70 mph.
In reality, most traffic is usually moving at least 65 or 70 mph through there.
Quote from: jmacswimmer on May 14, 2020, 02:09:30 PM
To throw in one more to this, how about I-70 between Breezewood & Maryland? The main justification I could see PennDOT having for 55 is the interchanges (in particular, the RIRO-like ramps at 151, 156, and 163 westbound).
I-295 in NJ is 65 mph, and they have THREE RIRO interchanges...within a mile total! (Exits 15, 16A & 16B).
Quote from: jmacswimmer on May 14, 2020, 02:09:30 PM
To throw in one more to this, how about I-70 between Breezewood & Maryland? The main justification I could see PennDOT having for 55 is the interchanges (in particular, the RIRO-like ramps at 151, 156, and 163 westbound).
This is also the one place in Pennsylvania where the PSP runs a speed trap every time I pass that part of I-70 - there is usually at least one trooper working speed limit enforcement on the eastbound side of I-70 descending Sideling Hill from PA-915 (Exit 151) to U.S. 522 (Exit 168). The cynic in me says that most of the traffic here is not registered in Pennsylvania, and probably plenty of speeders looking to get through this in-the-middle-of-nowhere section of Interstate.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 14, 2020, 10:10:24 PM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on May 14, 2020, 02:09:30 PM
To throw in one more to this, how about I-70 between Breezewood & Maryland? The main justification I could see PennDOT having for 55 is the interchanges (in particular, the RIRO-like ramps at 151, 156, and 163 westbound).
I-295 in NJ is 65 mph, and they have THREE RIRO interchanges...within a mile total! (Exits 15, 16A & 16B).
That may be the oldest Interstate highway in the Northeast granted a 65 mph speed limit. I-78 in PA is close.
Quote from: Alps on May 15, 2020, 01:21:32 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 14, 2020, 10:10:24 PM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on May 14, 2020, 02:09:30 PM
To throw in one more to this, how about I-70 between Breezewood & Maryland? The main justification I could see PennDOT having for 55 is the interchanges (in particular, the RIRO-like ramps at 151, 156, and 163 westbound).
I-295 in NJ is 65 mph, and they have THREE RIRO interchanges...within a mile total! (Exits 15, 16A & 16B).
That may be the oldest Interstate highway in the Northeast granted a 65 mph speed limit. I-78 in PA is close.
Weren't parts of the Mass pike completed in the 50s?
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 15, 2020, 01:23:33 AM
Quote from: Alps on May 15, 2020, 01:21:32 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 14, 2020, 10:10:24 PM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on May 14, 2020, 02:09:30 PM
To throw in one more to this, how about I-70 between Breezewood & Maryland? The main justification I could see PennDOT having for 55 is the interchanges (in particular, the RIRO-like ramps at 151, 156, and 163 westbound).
I-295 in NJ is 65 mph, and they have THREE RIRO interchanges...within a mile total! (Exits 15, 16A & 16B).
That may be the oldest Interstate highway in the Northeast granted a 65 mph speed limit. I-78 in PA is close.
Weren't parts of the Mass pike completed in the 50s?
I'm more referring to the design of the highway not being updated from the time it was built. There's a small part of I-78 that hasn't been, but it's shrinking.
Quote from: Alps on May 15, 2020, 01:21:32 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 14, 2020, 10:10:24 PM
I-295 in NJ is 65 mph, and they have THREE RIRO interchanges...within a mile total! (Exits 15, 16A & 16B).
That may be the oldest Interstate highway in the Northeast granted a 65 mph speed limit. I-78 in PA is close.
I-490 between Rochester and Victor would have to be a contender, if you consider it to be in the Northeast.
Quote from: Alps on May 14, 2020, 12:05:37 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 13, 2020, 10:27:19 PM
Just a musing, but why hasn't PA increased the speed limit to 70 on I-78, I-81, I-84, or I-90? Seems silly to leave them out.
I-78 does not merit at all, with old geometry and truck traffic in 4 lanes.
Agree. And plenty of crashes involving heavy trucks along its entire length in Pennsylvania.
I-80 is still 65 mph west of I-380 where its 10 miles to PA 115 and up to standards for high speeds. In fact is not I-380 posted at 70 mph, and that has more frequent interchanges than Route 80?
Quote from: cpzilliacus on May 15, 2020, 08:57:51 PM
Quote from: Alps on May 14, 2020, 12:05:37 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 13, 2020, 10:27:19 PM
Just a musing, but why hasn't PA increased the speed limit to 70 on I-78, I-81, I-84, or I-90? Seems silly to leave them out.
I-78 does not merit at all, with old geometry and truck traffic in 4 lanes.
Agree. And plenty of crashes involving heavy trucks along its entire length in Pennsylvania.
Yeah, I looked at it on streetview, it seemed very narrow.
Quote from: cl94 on May 14, 2020, 12:07:26 AM
PTC will post 70 on most roads they maintain. But PennDOT isn't as generous.
I drove on the PA Turnpike for the first time last summer (explored the abandoned section) and was impressed by the 70 MPH limit on a winding section. My passenger, who grow up on Long Island, immediately remarked on the first 70 MPH sign we passed and I later called it generous when we started winding around the mountain. Was a fun day.
Quote from: roadman65 on May 16, 2020, 03:23:09 PM
I-80 is still 65 mph west of I-380 where its 10 miles to PA 115 and up to standards for high speeds. In fact is not I-380 posted at 70 mph, and that has more frequent interchanges than Route 80?
There are two curves, one just west of PA 940/I-476, and one west of PA 93, both with westbound downhill approaches, that are truck advisory posted for 45. The 70MPH sections starts at the county line just west of that second one. I think that's factor of why I-80 keeps it's 65 MPH that far west.
Is 70 really as high as PA could get? I feel like there are many, many potential 75 and 80 zones in Pennsylvania.
Although I personally think much of I-80 west of around I-180 (but maybe further east too) could be an 80 zone, and many cars already do 80, I could see a rationale for not doing that because of the high truck traffic. That said, the same excuse does not exist for I-99 south of State College and outside of Altoona. There's very little traffic in general, and there are almost never trucks passing each other - there's just not enough truck traffic making the haul from I-80 to Altoona or Pittsburgh. These would be great places to trial an 80mph speed limit in PA.
Quote from: Ketchup99 on May 19, 2020, 03:55:33 PM
Is 70 really as high as PA could get? I feel like there are many, many potential 75 and 80 zones in Pennsylvania.
Although I personally think much of I-80 west of around I-180 (but maybe further east too) could be an 80 zone, and many cars already do 80, I could see a rationale for not doing that because of the high truck traffic. That said, the same excuse does not exist for I-99 south of State College and outside of Altoona. There's very little traffic in general, and there are almost never trucks passing each other - there's just not enough truck traffic making the haul from I-80 to Altoona or Pittsburgh. These would be great places to trial an 80mph speed limit in PA.
Not sure if 80 mph would be realistic in Pennsylvania, though 75 mph would be appropriate on rural freeways where design permits.
Quote from: sprjus4 on May 19, 2020, 04:02:23 PM
Quote from: Ketchup99 on May 19, 2020, 03:55:33 PM
Is 70 really as high as PA could get? I feel like there are many, many potential 75 and 80 zones in Pennsylvania.
Although I personally think much of I-80 west of around I-180 (but maybe further east too) could be an 80 zone, and many cars already do 80, I could see a rationale for not doing that because of the high truck traffic. That said, the same excuse does not exist for I-99 south of State College and outside of Altoona. There's very little traffic in general, and there are almost never trucks passing each other - there's just not enough truck traffic making the haul from I-80 to Altoona or Pittsburgh. These would be great places to trial an 80mph speed limit in PA.
Not sure if 80 mph would be realistic in Pennsylvania, though 75 mph would be appropriate on rural freeways where design permits.
What's the difference between a rural, low-use freeway in PA versus one in TX?
Quote from: Ketchup99 on May 19, 2020, 04:45:28 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on May 19, 2020, 04:02:23 PM
Quote from: Ketchup99 on May 19, 2020, 03:55:33 PM
Is 70 really as high as PA could get? I feel like there are many, many potential 75 and 80 zones in Pennsylvania.
Although I personally think much of I-80 west of around I-180 (but maybe further east too) could be an 80 zone, and many cars already do 80, I could see a rationale for not doing that because of the high truck traffic. That said, the same excuse does not exist for I-99 south of State College and outside of Altoona. There's very little traffic in general, and there are almost never trucks passing each other - there's just not enough truck traffic making the haul from I-80 to Altoona or Pittsburgh. These would be great places to trial an 80mph speed limit in PA.
Not sure if 80 mph would be realistic in Pennsylvania, though 75 mph would be appropriate on rural freeways where design permits.
What's the difference between a rural, low-use freeway in PA versus one in TX?
I'm not saying it's impossible, but likely less realistic especially in that part of the country. I would like to see 70 mph limits increased to 75 mph though as permits. Maine and Michigan currently have 75 mph limits, West Virginia is allowed to post them but hasn't yet, and North Carolina nearly got them back in 2013 but did not pass the House.
New Jersey is another state where 75 mph would be appropriate on roads like the New Jersey Turnpike or the Garden State Parkway.
I think West Virginia tried 80 mph before, though never passed.
I wouldn't be against 80 mph limits if they ever came about.
Quote from: Ketchup99 on May 19, 2020, 04:45:28 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on May 19, 2020, 04:02:23 PM
Quote from: Ketchup99 on May 19, 2020, 03:55:33 PM
Is 70 really as high as PA could get? I feel like there are many, many potential 75 and 80 zones in Pennsylvania.
Although I personally think much of I-80 west of around I-180 (but maybe further east too) could be an 80 zone, and many cars already do 80, I could see a rationale for not doing that because of the high truck traffic. That said, the same excuse does not exist for I-99 south of State College and outside of Altoona. There's very little traffic in general, and there are almost never trucks passing each other - there's just not enough truck traffic making the haul from I-80 to Altoona or Pittsburgh. These would be great places to trial an 80mph speed limit in PA.
Not sure if 80 mph would be realistic in Pennsylvania, though 75 mph would be appropriate on rural freeways where design permits.
What's the difference between a rural, low-use freeway in PA versus one in TX?
I'd bet a rural, low-use freeway in PA has at minimum 4 times the traffic than one in TX. There aren't too many very long, straight stretches of highway in PA with few or no exits, unlike TX.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 19, 2020, 06:30:06 PM
Quote from: Ketchup99 on May 19, 2020, 04:45:28 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on May 19, 2020, 04:02:23 PM
Quote from: Ketchup99 on May 19, 2020, 03:55:33 PM
Is 70 really as high as PA could get? I feel like there are many, many potential 75 and 80 zones in Pennsylvania.
Although I personally think much of I-80 west of around I-180 (but maybe further east too) could be an 80 zone, and many cars already do 80, I could see a rationale for not doing that because of the high truck traffic. That said, the same excuse does not exist for I-99 south of State College and outside of Altoona. There's very little traffic in general, and there are almost never trucks passing each other - there's just not enough truck traffic making the haul from I-80 to Altoona or Pittsburgh. These would be great places to trial an 80mph speed limit in PA.
Not sure if 80 mph would be realistic in Pennsylvania, though 75 mph would be appropriate on rural freeways where design permits.
What's the difference between a rural, low-use freeway in PA versus one in TX?
I'd bet a rural, low-use freeway in PA has at minimum 4 times the traffic than one in TX. There aren't too many very long, straight stretches of highway in PA with few or no exits, unlike TX.
80 is probably the upper limit that cars should travel on most rural interstate, except maybe in some Western states. Never felt unsafe in a car going 80. Now going more than 80 can get dicey. Not saying that all rural interstates should be posted at 80 though.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 19, 2020, 06:30:06 PM
Quote from: Ketchup99 on May 19, 2020, 04:45:28 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on May 19, 2020, 04:02:23 PM
Quote from: Ketchup99 on May 19, 2020, 03:55:33 PM
Is 70 really as high as PA could get? I feel like there are many, many potential 75 and 80 zones in Pennsylvania.
Although I personally think much of I-80 west of around I-180 (but maybe further east too) could be an 80 zone, and many cars already do 80, I could see a rationale for not doing that because of the high truck traffic. That said, the same excuse does not exist for I-99 south of State College and outside of Altoona. There's very little traffic in general, and there are almost never trucks passing each other - there's just not enough truck traffic making the haul from I-80 to Altoona or Pittsburgh. These would be great places to trial an 80mph speed limit in PA.
Not sure if 80 mph would be realistic in Pennsylvania, though 75 mph would be appropriate on rural freeways where design permits.
What's the difference between a rural, low-use freeway in PA versus one in TX?
I'd bet a rural, low-use freeway in PA has at minimum 4 times the traffic than one in TX. There aren't too many very long, straight stretches of highway in PA with few or no exits, unlike TX.
Not many, but there are some. I-99 from Bedford to Altoona comes to mind, as does some of I-80. Personally I drive these roads frequently at 80 and feel entirely comfortable.
TX-130 carries close to 60,000 AADT in its northern portion, has traffic congestion, and is currently being widened to 6 lanes, and holds a speed limit of 80 mph.
The speed limit was reduced to 70 mph through the work zone though will increase back to 80 mph once complete.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 19, 2020, 06:30:06 PM
I'd bet a rural, low-use freeway in PA has at minimum 4 times the traffic than one in TX. There aren't too many very long, straight stretches of highway in PA with few or no exits, unlike TX.
AADT on I-80 across Pennsylvania, from I-376 to I-180 ranges from 21,000 to 28,000.
AADT on I-20 between Monahans and Odessa, which is currently signed at 80 mph, is approximately the same.
Quote from: Ketchup99 on May 19, 2020, 03:55:33 PM
Is 70 really as high as PA could get? I feel like there are many, many potential 75 and 80 zones in Pennsylvania.
Being that I've done triple digits with ease on both branches of the Turnpike, the answer is definitely no. 85 a good place set it
Quote from: sprjus4 on May 19, 2020, 05:13:48 PM
Quote from: Ketchup99 on May 19, 2020, 04:45:28 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on May 19, 2020, 04:02:23 PM
Quote from: Ketchup99 on May 19, 2020, 03:55:33 PM
Is 70 really as high as PA could get? I feel like there are many, many potential 75 and 80 zones in Pennsylvania.
Although I personally think much of I-80 west of around I-180 (but maybe further east too) could be an 80 zone, and many cars already do 80, I could see a rationale for not doing that because of the high truck traffic. That said, the same excuse does not exist for I-99 south of State College and outside of Altoona. There's very little traffic in general, and there are almost never trucks passing each other - there's just not enough truck traffic making the haul from I-80 to Altoona or Pittsburgh. These would be great places to trial an 80mph speed limit in PA.
Not sure if 80 mph would be realistic in Pennsylvania, though 75 mph would be appropriate on rural freeways where design permits.
What's the difference between a rural, low-use freeway in PA versus one in TX?
I'm not saying it's impossible, but likely less realistic especially in that part of the country. I would like to see 70 mph limits increased to 75 mph though as permits. Maine and Michigan currently have 75 mph limits, West Virginia is allowed to post them but hasn't yet, and North Carolina nearly got them back in 2013 but did not pass the House.
New Jersey is another state where 75 mph would be appropriate on roads like the New Jersey Turnpike or the Garden State Parkway.
I think West Virginia tried 80 mph before, though never passed.
I wouldn't be against 80 mph limits if they ever came about.
A bill to allow 75-mph speed limits passed the Florida legislature a few years ago, but then-Gov. Scott vetoed it and they didn't override the veto.
Back in the early 1970s, apparently there was a plan to expand the Pennsylvania Turnpike into a quad-carriageway setup like part of the New Jersey Turnpike and to post an 80-mph speed limit in the cars-only lanes, but the oil shocks, and the NMSL, put an end to that.
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 20, 2020, 03:29:51 PM
A bill to allow 75-mph speed limits passed the Florida legislature a few years ago, but then-Gov. Scott vetoed it and they didn't override the veto.
I don't see why 75 mph speed limits would be an issue on rural Florida interstates and Florida's Turnpike where a traffic engineering study determined it capable.
https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/blog/morning-edition/2014/06/scott-uses-veto-pen-says-75-mph-limit-unsafe.html
QuoteGov. Rick Scott has vetoed a bill that would have allowed the maximum speed limit on Florida highways to rise to 75 miles per hour.
In explaining the decision, Scott said he was responding to safety concerns raised by law enforcement officers, the News Service of Florida said. "While the evidence suggests that increased driving speeds are not the sole cause of traffic accidents, they clearly contribute to the increased severity of vehicle crash outcomes in the form of needless injuries and deaths," Scott wrote in a veto message.
"Safety concerns raised by law enforcement officers"... essentially, it would hurt revenue flow.
https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2014/05/15/329313.htm
QuoteThe bill (SB 392) would not raise speed limits automatically, but would allow the Department of Transportation to increase them when it saw fit. The department could also raise the speed limit from 65 to 70 mph on rural, four-lane divided highways and up to 65 mph on other roads.
The legislation would've also allowed up to 70 mph on divided highways and 65 mph on two-lane roads.
This would also be an appropriate increase on many roads.