ARDOT is finally raising speed limits (https://www.kark.com/news/local-news/adot-raising-speed-limit-on-highways-and-interstates/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_KARK_4_News) by 5mph on all highways
Rural Interstates (and other divided highways) 70 to 75
Urban Interstates 65 mph
Yay for Arkansas! Nice to see 75 creeping further east.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2020, 09:04:13 PM
Yay for Arkansas! Nice to see 75 creeping further east.
Indeed. I guess here in PA I've got a while to wait :(
Quote from: Ketchup99 on June 10, 2020, 09:18:36 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2020, 09:04:13 PM
Yay for Arkansas! Nice to see 75 creeping further east.
Indeed. I guess here in PA I've got a while to wait :(
It could be worse. Here in NY we're still waiting for 70.
In Florida we had 75 approved by the legislature in Tallahassee, but that bald headed idiot vetoed it.
Quote from: roadman65 on June 10, 2020, 09:33:07 PM
In Florida we had 75 approved by the legislature in Tallahassee, but that bald headed idiot vetoed it.
The bald headed idiot who you just sent to Washington?
Oops politicsQuote from: vdeane on June 10, 2020, 09:30:26 PM
Quote from: Ketchup99 on June 10, 2020, 09:18:36 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2020, 09:04:13 PM
Yay for Arkansas! Nice to see 75 creeping further east.
Indeed. I guess here in PA I've got a while to wait :(
It could be worse. Here in NY we're still waiting for 70.
Isn't there talk of upping the Thruway to 75?
Quote from: vdeane on June 10, 2020, 09:30:26 PM
Quote from: Ketchup99 on June 10, 2020, 09:18:36 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2020, 09:04:13 PM
Yay for Arkansas! Nice to see 75 creeping further east.
Indeed. I guess here in PA I've got a while to wait :(
It could be worse. Here in NY we're still waiting for 70.
Yeah, I wish New York could pull off a speed limit change that smoothly. That's hardly even a news article by our standards. Only one quote from the DOT? I think if we ever got a speed limit increase in New York, there would be at least 20 or 25 officials with something to say about it before the hoopla was over.
So will speed limits go to 60 on two-lane roads? A large number of roads in the state aren't safe at 55.
Quote from: Road Hog on June 10, 2020, 10:20:40 PM
So will speed limits go to 60 on two-lane roads? A large number of roads in the state aren't safe at 55.
My guess is it will be on a case by case basis.
FWIW, Texas has some 2-lanes that are 70 mph that I wouldn't call safe.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 10, 2020, 09:04:13 PM
Yay for Arkansas! Nice to see 75 creeping further east.
Michigan and Maine currently have 75 mph posted on rural interstate highways.
West Virginia recently was permitted to post 75 mph on rural interstate highways, though currently has not done any IIRC.
North Carolina Senate passed a bill back in 2013 to authorize 75 mph speed limits on rural interstate highways, though it never passed the House.
Mississippi and a few other states I believe have also attempted it, but never passed.
I think it would be worthwhile to bring them back up in the future to see if it can pass again. Different people in office, perhaps maybe a chance. They need to try annually, not just once and give up. I'd also like to see states such as South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and northeastern states increase the maximum speed limit permitted on non-limited-access divided highways to 65-70 mph, and 60-65 mph on two-lane roads.
A fix for Virginia's infamous 80 mph reckless driving limit for 70 mph zones failed for many years, yet they kept pushing it through, and finally this year it actually passed and was signed by Governor Northam, and beginning July 1, the reckless driving threshold will increase to 85 mph.
Quote from: Road Hog on June 10, 2020, 10:20:40 PM
So will speed limits go to 60 on two-lane roads? A large number of roads in the state aren't safe at 55.
https://237995-729345-1-raikfcquaxqncofqfm.stackpathdns.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/2020-Speed-Limit-Study-FINAL.pdf
Here is the study that was completed.
QuoteIn compliance with Act 784 of the 92nd General Assembly of the State of Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Transportation (Department) conducted an engineering and traffic investigation to determine the feasibility of increasing the speed limits on State highways. The investigation reviewed four groups of highways, and found the following speed limits feasible:
- Rural Interstates — 75 miles per hour (mph);
- Urban Interstates — 65 mph;
- Rural Multi-Lane Highways — 65 mph, unless an engineering study determines the need for a lower speed limit; and
- Other Rural Highways — 55 mph, with the option to increase the speed limit to 60 mph on individual highways where an engineering study determines that a higher speed limit is warranted.
I find it interesting that it mentions a maximum of 55 mph, with an optional 60 mph for two-lane roads, yet at least one two-lane road, SR-530 (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.15994,-91.9829248,3a,35.5y,158h,87.38t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spMS5v1JJyANfavEqewpdow!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), is posted at 65 mph.
Where is it indicated that 65 mph is permitted? I'm not against this speed limit, but am curious where law permits it if a statutory maximum of 55 mph with an optional 60 mph is all that's allowed.
Map of proposed 75 mph zones. Arkansas doesn't appear to be shy with this one - 75 mph will be posted on almost every rural freeway segment in the state outside urban areas.
(https://i.ibb.co/Hpb8CD8/75mpharkansas.png)
Quote from: sprjus4 on June 11, 2020, 12:16:15 AM
Map of proposed 75 mph zones. Arkansas doesn't appear to be shy with this one - 75 mph will be posted on almost every rural freeway segment in the state outside urban areas.
(https://i.ibb.co/Hpb8CD8/75mpharkansas.png)
Is that all the 70 zones?
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 11, 2020, 12:23:19 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on June 11, 2020, 12:16:15 AM
Map of proposed 75 mph zones. Arkansas doesn't appear to be shy with this one - 75 mph will be posted on almost every rural freeway segment in the state outside urban areas.
Is that all the 70 zones?
Pretty much, though there may be some small 70 mph zones remaining that are closer to urban areas.
Quote from: US71 on June 10, 2020, 11:06:11 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on June 10, 2020, 10:20:40 PM
So will speed limits go to 60 on two-lane roads? A large number of roads in the state aren't safe at 55.
My guess is it will be on a case by case basis.
FWIW, Texas has some 2-lanes that are 70 mph that I wouldn't call safe.
I'd say some of the 75 mph ones are unsafe as well
If trucks are still limited then raising the car limit won't buy a lot unless there is little truck traffic to overtake.
For example, Little Rock to Memphis probably will not raise the average automobile speed by a large amount because it has such a large truck volume.
A truck going 60 passing a truck going 55 will typically cause these half mile left lane backups of autos coming up at 75.
Raising it to 75 will also create more left lane dogs who seem to believe it is their god given right to use the left at any speed they see fit.
Which creates a chicane for passing traffic on the right.
While left lane dogging is illegal, I have yet to see a pull over for it.
Don't get me wrong, I love the new ceiling, but with some truck volumes, it won't be very practical in all places.
Quote from: edwaleni on June 11, 2020, 10:15:08 AM
If trucks are still limited then raising the car limit won't buy a lot unless there is little truck traffic to overtake.
For example, Little Rock to Memphis probably will not raise the average automobile speed by a large amount because it has such a large truck volume.
A truck going 60 passing a truck going 55 will typically cause these half mile left lane backups of autos coming up at 75.
Raising it to 75 will also create more left lane dogs who seem to believe it is their god given right to use the left at any speed they see fit.
Which creates a chicane for passing traffic on the right.
While left lane dogging is illegal, I have yet to see a pull over for it.
Don't get me wrong, I love the new ceiling, but with some truck volumes, it won't be very practical in all places.
What's the truck speed limit in Arkansas?
Michigan went to 75 a few years ago but those speed limits are mostly in rural areas except for I-69 between Port Huron and Lansing with a gap in Genesee County.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 11, 2020, 10:49:38 AM
Quote from: edwaleni on June 11, 2020, 10:15:08 AM
If trucks are still limited then raising the car limit won't buy a lot unless there is little truck traffic to overtake.
For example, Little Rock to Memphis probably will not raise the average automobile speed by a large amount because it has such a large truck volume.
A truck going 60 passing a truck going 55 will typically cause these half mile left lane backups of autos coming up at 75.
Raising it to 75 will also create more left lane dogs who seem to believe it is their god given right to use the left at any speed they see fit.
Which creates a chicane for passing traffic on the right.
While left lane dogging is illegal, I have yet to see a pull over for it.
Don't get me wrong, I love the new ceiling, but with some truck volumes, it won't be very practical in all places.
What's the truck speed limit in Arkansas?
65/70 depending what parts of the interstate you're on.
Thank god your trucks aren't mechanically limited to 56mph like ours. Commercial vehicles over 7700lbs have to be limited to 90kmh by EU law :angry:
Because there's a slight discrepancy between vehicles there can be a minute difference in speed which means it takes forever for one truck to pass another. Here the yellow truck appears to have just started overtaking the blue truck and there's always a line of cars behind it. About a mile later the overtake may be complete by which time there may be dozens of angry car drivers stuck behind it. https://goo.gl/maps/ZGMwamgnijdsxYubA
Quote from: Truvelo on June 11, 2020, 11:30:33 AM
Thank god your trucks aren't mechanically limited to 56mph like ours. Commercial vehicles over 7700lbs have to be limited to 90kmh by EU law :angry:
Because there's a slight discrepancy between vehicles there can be a minute difference in speed which means it takes forever for one truck to pass another. Here the yellow truck appears to have just started overtaking the blue truck and there's always a line of cars behind it. About a mile later the overtake may be complete by which time there may be dozens of angry car drivers stuck behind it. https://goo.gl/maps/ZGMwamgnijdsxYubA
Some trucks ARE limited, but it's the individual companies who make that decision
Quote from: Truvelo on June 11, 2020, 11:30:33 AM
Thank god your trucks aren't mechanically limited to 56mph like ours. Commercial vehicles over 7700lbs have to be limited to 90kmh by EU law :angry:
Because there's a slight discrepancy between vehicles there can be a minute difference in speed which means it takes forever for one truck to pass another. Here the yellow truck appears to have just started overtaking the blue truck and there's always a line of cars behind it. About a mile later the overtake may be complete by which time there may be dozens of angry car drivers stuck behind it. https://goo.gl/maps/ZGMwamgnijdsxYubA
A mile isn't a very long distance for a truck to overtake another truck.
Quote from: kphoger on June 11, 2020, 11:40:20 AM
Quote from: Truvelo on June 11, 2020, 11:30:33 AM
Thank god your trucks aren't mechanically limited to 56mph like ours. Commercial vehicles over 7700lbs have to be limited to 90kmh by EU law :angry:
Because there's a slight discrepancy between vehicles there can be a minute difference in speed which means it takes forever for one truck to pass another. Here the yellow truck appears to have just started overtaking the blue truck and there's always a line of cars behind it. About a mile later the overtake may be complete by which time there may be dozens of angry car drivers stuck behind it. https://goo.gl/maps/ZGMwamgnijdsxYubA
A mile isn't a very long distance for a truck to overtake another truck.
I can live with it if it's a mile. Usually it's a lot longer than that. Once I was coming back to KC from Nashville and I stayed in the left lane on I-70 from Warrenton all the way till Columbia. It was a combination of trucks taking forever to pass each other and heavier traffic than usual.
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 11, 2020, 10:57:09 AM
rural areas except for I-69 between Port Huron and Lansing with a gap in Genesee County.
Is that segment of I-69 not rural?
Quote from: edwaleni on June 11, 2020, 10:15:08 AM
If trucks are still limited then raising the car limit won't buy a lot unless there is little truck traffic to overtake.
For example, Little Rock to Memphis probably will not raise the average automobile speed by a large amount because it has such a large truck volume.
A truck going 60 passing a truck going 55 will typically cause these half mile left lane backups of autos coming up at 75.
Raising it to 75 will also create more left lane dogs who seem to believe it is their god given right to use the left at any speed they see fit.
Which creates a chicane for passing traffic on the right.
While left lane dogging is illegal, I have yet to see a pull over for it.
Don't get me wrong, I love the new ceiling, but with some truck volumes, it won't be very practical in all places.
While 75 mph may not be reachable during certain times, such as trucks passing, etc., when the road does reach a clear point, it's safe to get up to 75 mph. No reason to keep it at 70 mph just because of truck traffic that is an issue only during certain periods, like micropassing.
I've managed to drive I-40 between Little Rock and Memphis during the late afternoon / early evening on a summer weekday, and was bothered by very little truck traffic and micropassing. I usually managed ~80 mph, except the few trucks that did pass here and there.
If I-49 in the Boston Mountains can be at 75mph, then any interstate up here in MO in rural areas could be bumped up to 75. Many people go that speed, anyway.
Quote from: ozarkman417 on June 11, 2020, 02:30:39 PM
If I-49 in the Boston Mountains can be at 75mph, then any interstate up here in MO in rural areas could be bumped up to 75. Many people go that speed, anyway.
:) My wife isn't one for speeding. But, back when we used to drive from Chicago to Branson to visit her family, her foot turned to lead at Marshfield and the needle crept above 80. Home stretch, baby!
I'd be hard pressed to come up with a rural stretch of Interstate anywhere west of Indiana that traffic doesn't commonly go 75. Probably east of there too, but I've hardly done any driving out that way.
Quote from: ozarkman417 on June 11, 2020, 02:30:39 PM
If I-49 in the Boston Mountains can be at 75mph, then any interstate up here in MO in rural areas could be bumped up to 75. Many people go that speed, anyway.
I for one sure have, and much more. The sight lines on I-49 in MO aren't different than on US-69 just a couple dozen miles to the west in KS, and that's already mostly 75 north of Ft. Scott.
Quote from: sprjus4 on June 10, 2020, 11:41:43 PM
I find it interesting that it mentions a maximum of 55 mph, with an optional 60 mph for two-lane roads, yet at least one two-lane road, SR-530 (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.15994,-91.9829248,3a,35.5y,158h,87.38t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spMS5v1JJyANfavEqewpdow!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), is posted at 65 mph.
Where is it indicated that 65 mph is permitted? I'm not against this speed limit, but am curious where law permits it if a statutory maximum of 55 mph with an optional 60 mph is all that's allowed.
That's not the only one: AR-549 (https://goo.gl/maps/DksJdbkVF98wRvBVA).
These are technically 2-lane state highways, but they are better thought of as Super-2 placeholders for future interstate conversion. The one you cited is planned to be the Future I-530 connection from Pine Bluff to Monticello to connect to Future I-69. And AR-549 will exist only for another 18 months or so as it transforms from the current Super-2 to I-49 (Bella Vista Bypass). They have the same geometries, grade separations (mostly), and sight lines as Interstates, so they warrant a higher speed. The 500 series state highways are special cases.
Quote from: sprjus4 on June 11, 2020, 01:38:17 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 11, 2020, 10:57:09 AM
rural areas except for I-69 between Port Huron and Lansing with a gap in Genesee County.
Is that segment of I-69 not rural?
Quote from: edwaleni on June 11, 2020, 10:15:08 AM
If trucks are still limited then raising the car limit won't buy a lot unless there is little truck traffic to overtake.
For example, Little Rock to Memphis probably will not raise the average automobile speed by a large amount because it has such a large truck volume.
A truck going 60 passing a truck going 55 will typically cause these half mile left lane backups of autos coming up at 75.
Raising it to 75 will also create more left lane dogs who seem to believe it is their god given right to use the left at any speed they see fit.
Which creates a chicane for passing traffic on the right.
While left lane dogging is illegal, I have yet to see a pull over for it.
Don't get me wrong, I love the new ceiling, but with some truck volumes, it won't be very practical in all places.
While 75 mph may not be reachable during certain times, such as trucks passing, etc., when the road does reach a clear point, it's safe to get up to 75 mph. No reason to keep it at 70 mph just because of truck traffic that is an issue only during certain periods, like micropassing.
I've managed to drive I-40 between Little Rock and Memphis during the late afternoon / early evening on a summer weekday, and was bothered by very little truck traffic and micropassing. I usually managed ~80 mph, except the few trucks that did pass here and there.
Not as rural as the areas north of the Tri-Cities.
Quote from: kphoger on June 11, 2020, 03:29:35 PM
I'd be hard pressed to come up with a rural stretch of Interstate anywhere west of Indiana that traffic doesn't commonly go 75. Probably east of there too, but I've hardly done any driving out that way.
I-70 at the Loutre River valley in Missouri perhaps? Along with other parts of rural I-70 in Missouri on the busier days.
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 11, 2020, 05:11:36 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on June 11, 2020, 01:38:17 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 11, 2020, 10:57:09 AM
rural areas except for I-69 between Port Huron and Lansing with a gap in Genesee County.
Is that segment of I-69 not rural?
Quote from: edwaleni on June 11, 2020, 10:15:08 AM
If trucks are still limited then raising the car limit won't buy a lot unless there is little truck traffic to overtake.
For example, Little Rock to Memphis probably will not raise the average automobile speed by a large amount because it has such a large truck volume.
A truck going 60 passing a truck going 55 will typically cause these half mile left lane backups of autos coming up at 75.
Raising it to 75 will also create more left lane dogs who seem to believe it is their god given right to use the left at any speed they see fit.
Which creates a chicane for passing traffic on the right.
While left lane dogging is illegal, I have yet to see a pull over for it.
Don't get me wrong, I love the new ceiling, but with some truck volumes, it won't be very practical in all places.
While 75 mph may not be reachable during certain times, such as trucks passing, etc., when the road does reach a clear point, it's safe to get up to 75 mph. No reason to keep it at 70 mph just because of truck traffic that is an issue only during certain periods, like micropassing.
I've managed to drive I-40 between Little Rock and Memphis during the late afternoon / early evening on a summer weekday, and was bothered by very little truck traffic and micropassing. I usually managed ~80 mph, except the few trucks that did pass here and there.
Not as rural as the areas north of the Tri-Cities.
No interstate goes north of the Tri-Cities currently.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 11, 2020, 10:06:32 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 11, 2020, 05:11:36 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on June 11, 2020, 01:38:17 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 11, 2020, 10:57:09 AM
rural areas except for I-69 between Port Huron and Lansing with a gap in Genesee County.
Is that segment of I-69 not rural?
Quote from: edwaleni on June 11, 2020, 10:15:08 AM
If trucks are still limited then raising the car limit won't buy a lot unless there is little truck traffic to overtake.
For example, Little Rock to Memphis probably will not raise the average automobile speed by a large amount because it has such a large truck volume.
A truck going 60 passing a truck going 55 will typically cause these half mile left lane backups of autos coming up at 75.
Raising it to 75 will also create more left lane dogs who seem to believe it is their god given right to use the left at any speed they see fit.
Which creates a chicane for passing traffic on the right.
While left lane dogging is illegal, I have yet to see a pull over for it.
Don't get me wrong, I love the new ceiling, but with some truck volumes, it won't be very practical in all places.
While 75 mph may not be reachable during certain times, such as trucks passing, etc., when the road does reach a clear point, it's safe to get up to 75 mph. No reason to keep it at 70 mph just because of truck traffic that is an issue only during certain periods, like micropassing.
I've managed to drive I-40 between Little Rock and Memphis during the late afternoon / early evening on a summer weekday, and was bothered by very little truck traffic and micropassing. I usually managed ~80 mph, except the few trucks that did pass here and there.
Not as rural as the areas north of the Tri-Cities.
No interstate goes north of the Tri-Cities currently.
What do you call I-75?
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 11, 2020, 10:12:33 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 11, 2020, 10:06:32 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 11, 2020, 05:11:36 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on June 11, 2020, 01:38:17 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 11, 2020, 10:57:09 AM
rural areas except for I-69 between Port Huron and Lansing with a gap in Genesee County.
Is that segment of I-69 not rural?
Quote from: edwaleni on June 11, 2020, 10:15:08 AM
If trucks are still limited then raising the car limit won't buy a lot unless there is little truck traffic to overtake.
For example, Little Rock to Memphis probably will not raise the average automobile speed by a large amount because it has such a large truck volume.
A truck going 60 passing a truck going 55 will typically cause these half mile left lane backups of autos coming up at 75.
Raising it to 75 will also create more left lane dogs who seem to believe it is their god given right to use the left at any speed they see fit.
Which creates a chicane for passing traffic on the right.
While left lane dogging is illegal, I have yet to see a pull over for it.
Don't get me wrong, I love the new ceiling, but with some truck volumes, it won't be very practical in all places.
While 75 mph may not be reachable during certain times, such as trucks passing, etc., when the road does reach a clear point, it's safe to get up to 75 mph. No reason to keep it at 70 mph just because of truck traffic that is an issue only during certain periods, like micropassing.
I've managed to drive I-40 between Little Rock and Memphis during the late afternoon / early evening on a summer weekday, and was bothered by very little truck traffic and micropassing. I usually managed ~80 mph, except the few trucks that did pass here and there.
Not as rural as the areas north of the Tri-Cities.
No interstate goes north of the Tri-Cities currently.
What do you call I-75?
Wait what tri-Cities are you talking about?
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 11, 2020, 10:54:12 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 11, 2020, 10:12:33 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 11, 2020, 10:06:32 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 11, 2020, 05:11:36 PM
Quote from: sprjus4 on June 11, 2020, 01:38:17 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 11, 2020, 10:57:09 AM
rural areas except for I-69 between Port Huron and Lansing with a gap in Genesee County.
Is that segment of I-69 not rural?
Quote from: edwaleni on June 11, 2020, 10:15:08 AM
If trucks are still limited then raising the car limit won't buy a lot unless there is little truck traffic to overtake.
For example, Little Rock to Memphis probably will not raise the average automobile speed by a large amount because it has such a large truck volume.
A truck going 60 passing a truck going 55 will typically cause these half mile left lane backups of autos coming up at 75.
Raising it to 75 will also create more left lane dogs who seem to believe it is their god given right to use the left at any speed they see fit.
Which creates a chicane for passing traffic on the right.
While left lane dogging is illegal, I have yet to see a pull over for it.
Don't get me wrong, I love the new ceiling, but with some truck volumes, it won't be very practical in all places.
While 75 mph may not be reachable during certain times, such as trucks passing, etc., when the road does reach a clear point, it's safe to get up to 75 mph. No reason to keep it at 70 mph just because of truck traffic that is an issue only during certain periods, like micropassing.
I've managed to drive I-40 between Little Rock and Memphis during the late afternoon / early evening on a summer weekday, and was bothered by very little truck traffic and micropassing. I usually managed ~80 mph, except the few trucks that did pass here and there.
Not as rural as the areas north of the Tri-Cities.
No interstate goes north of the Tri-Cities currently.
What do you call I-75?
Wait what tri-Cities are you talking about?
Saginaw, Bay City and Midland
Quote from: kphoger on June 11, 2020, 11:40:20 AM
A mile isn't a very long distance for a truck to overtake another truck.
Indeed, nor for the street view car to overtake a truck.
I believe the street view car is required by law to be overtaking a truck for at least 3 miles while in the vicinity of any sign I'm looking for. :-D
Quote from: kphoger on June 11, 2020, 03:29:35 PM
I'd be hard pressed to come up with a rural stretch of Interstate anywhere west of Indiana that traffic doesn't commonly go 75. Probably east of there too, but I've hardly done any driving out that way.
Absolutely. If anything, traffic moves faster the further east you go despite the downward trend in speed limits.
80-85 is common on most 65 mph highways, and 70-75 on most 55 mph ones.
In Michigan 80 mph is the usual speed you can go before the police will start giving you a problem. Many people go well over 80 mph and risk getting pulled over at that point.
Myself I go about 75-80. I've done 85 on US-10 and felt comfortable at that speed.
Quote from: ozarkman417 on June 11, 2020, 02:30:39 PM
If I-49 in the Boston Mountains can be at 75mph, then any interstate up here in MO in rural areas could be bumped up to 75. Many people go that speed, anyway.
But if it's increased to 75, people will go 80.
Quote from: thspfc on June 13, 2020, 10:48:45 AM
Quote from: ozarkman417 on June 11, 2020, 02:30:39 PM
If I-49 in the Boston Mountains can be at 75mph, then any interstate up here in MO in rural areas could be bumped up to 75. Many people go that speed, anyway.
But if it's increased to 75, people will go 80.
A 5 mph increase in speed limit results in a 1.5 mph increase in actual driver speed.
Quote from: thspfc on June 13, 2020, 10:48:45 AM
Quote from: ozarkman417 on June 11, 2020, 02:30:39 PM
If I-49 in the Boston Mountains can be at 75mph, then any interstate up here in MO in rural areas could be bumped up to 75. Many people go that speed, anyway.
But if it's increased to 75, people will go 80.
That myth has been debunked time and time again, and is often used by opponents to increasing speed limits.
Setting the speed limit closer to reality results in more compliance. For me, I'll drive 77 - 80 mph in a 70 mph zone, and will do the exact same in a 75 mph zone. 2-5 mph over vs. 7-10 mph over.
Looks like it will take about 3 months to roll out the speed limit changes, but the Interstates will go first.
https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/arkansas-speed-limit-increase-highways-interstate/527-4ace7b2b-e807-45b9-bd7d-44e1ec95b268 (https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/arkansas-speed-limit-increase-highways-interstate/527-4ace7b2b-e807-45b9-bd7d-44e1ec95b268)
Quote from: thspfc on June 13, 2020, 10:48:45 AM
Quote from: ozarkman417 on June 11, 2020, 02:30:39 PM
If I-49 in the Boston Mountains can be at 75mph, then any interstate up here in MO in rural areas could be bumped up to 75. Many people go that speed, anyway.
But if it's increased to 75, people will go 80.
You Tube didn't have the right clip, but The Andy Griffith Show Season 4 Episode 16 (Barney and the Sidecar) has that same logic embedded all through it. "If you let 'em go 40 they'll go 45..."
Per KTHV -11 (https://www.thv11.com/article/traffic/speed-limits-to-increase-on-state-highways-and-interstates-in-arkansas/91-87c020a3-00b4-40fa-8ce6-7579e6d1b3dd) the signs won't start changing until July 1.
Drove on I 40 from the Arkansas - Oklahoma Border to I 49 up to Mountainburg and already have the 75 MPH signs with Trucks 70 MPH posted on I 40 only. Also, all sharper curves have a 70 MPH safe speed (except for one just West of AR 59-Exit 5 which was posted at 65). It's nice to cruise at 80 on a recently paved road. Can't wait for Oklahoma to follow suit and raise their speed limit.
SM-S506DL
Nothing from Texarkana to the LA line as of yet.
Quote from: robbones on August 02, 2020, 06:52:13 PM
Drove on I 40 from the Arkansas - Oklahoma Border to I 49 up to Mountainburg and already have the 75 MPH signs with Trucks 70 MPH posted on I 40 only.
Lower truck speed limits just make for more road rage when a semi pulls into the left lane going 70 to pass another truck going 68. Seen it every time I've traveled on I40 between Little Rock and Memphis.
In the process of going up on I-49 between Alma and Fayetteville, and on I-40 between OK border and Little Rock. The article below includes the traffic study that determined speeds. Speeds on I-49 between Fulbright Expressway/AR-112 entrance ramps and current end at Bella Vista are reduced to 65MPH.
https://www.nwahomepage.com/news/speed-limits-going-up-in-the-river-valley-down-in-northwest-arkansas/?fbclid=IwAR1BU4KAANdsFkDY0wToN6ZdzKL9UQZ2UUId9pSNz4LKB7AUv9H3indVTas (https://www.nwahomepage.com/news/speed-limits-going-up-in-the-river-valley-down-in-northwest-arkansas/?fbclid=IwAR1BU4KAANdsFkDY0wToN6ZdzKL9UQZ2UUId9pSNz4LKB7AUv9H3indVTas)
Quote from: US71 on June 10, 2020, 08:21:26 PM
ARDOT is finally raising speed limits (https://www.kark.com/news/local-news/adot-raising-speed-limit-on-highways-and-interstates/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_KARK_4_News) by 5mph on all highways
Rural Interstates (and other divided highways) 70 to 75
Urban Interstates 65 mph
They're raising the speed limit on all highways? I really hope they bump 2 lanes to at least 60.
Quote from: edwaleni on June 11, 2020, 10:15:08 AM
If trucks are still limited then raising the car limit won't buy a lot unless there is little truck traffic to overtake.
For example, Little Rock to Memphis probably will not raise the average automobile speed by a large amount because it has such a large truck volume.
A truck going 60 passing a truck going 55 will typically cause these half mile left lane backups of autos coming up at 75.
Raising it to 75 will also create more left lane dogs who seem to believe it is their god given right to use the left at any speed they see fit.
It should be a minimum of 6 lanes all the way across the state, and trucks should be banned from the left lane. But Arkies are cheap and don't like paying taxes, so they can't have nice things.
Quote from: ozarkman417 on June 11, 2020, 02:30:39 PM
If I-49 in the Boston Mountains can be at 75mph, then any interstate up here in MO in rural areas could be bumped up to 75. Many people go that speed, anyway.
75 is a lot safer on I-49 than it would be on I-44 in Missouri. Besides, you never would get going that fast with the truckers cutting you off while passing and micropassing in the left lane. They need to build a parallel car-only freeway and let the trucks have the old road.
Quote from: bugo on August 31, 2020, 07:25:55 AM
Quote from: ozarkman417 on June 11, 2020, 02:30:39 PM
If I-49 in the Boston Mountains can be at 75mph, then any interstate up here in MO in rural areas could be bumped up to 75. Many people go that speed, anyway.
75 is a lot safer on I-49 than it would be on I-44 in Missouri. Besides, you never would get going that fast with the truckers cutting you off while passing and micropassing in the left lane. They need to build a parallel car-only freeway and let the trucks and let the trucks have the old road.
As of this past week, I-49 is still 70mph
I drove I-40 from Conway to the OK/AR line. It's 75 (trucks 70) from Exit 125 westward. Oklahoma has a hodgepodge of 75 mph / 70 mph on I-40 with lots of "no tolerance" signs below the speed limit.
Isn't part of I-49 in Louisiana posted at 75 MPH?
moto g stylus
Quote from: bugo on September 05, 2020, 01:45:23 AM
Isn't part of I-49 in Louisiana posted at 75 MPH?
I-49 in Louisiana is posted at 75 mph for around 230 miles between the Arkansas border and Opelousas, about 20 miles north of Lafayette, excluding Shreveport and Alexandria. Before Arkansas just recently raised its speed limits to 75 mph, the speed limit abruptly dropped at the border with no reduction warning, simply "Speed Limit 70" signs coming into Arkansas.
I imagine once I-49 is complete between New Orleans and Lafayette, most of its rural segments will also be increased to 75 mph, to help make that routing more attractive.
Quote from: bugo on September 05, 2020, 01:45:23 AM
Isn't part of I-49 in Louisiana posted at 75 MPH?
Yes
Quote from: sprjus4 on September 05, 2020, 02:00:59 AM
I imagine once I-49 is complete between New Orleans and Lafayette, most of its rural segments will also be increased to 75 mph, to help make that routing more attractive.
More attractive compared to what?
Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 05, 2020, 09:32:57 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on September 05, 2020, 02:00:59 AM
I imagine once I-49 is complete between New Orleans and Lafayette, most of its rural segments will also be increased to 75 mph, to help make that routing more attractive.
More attractive compared to what?
I-10, I assume
I-10 is around 20 miles shorter between Lafayette and New Orleans, but goes across the 20 mile swamp bridge which is restricted to 60 mph / 55 mph trucks and frequently shuts down (including right now according to Google) and through Baton Rouge which is congested, and has slower 55 mph limit with a 35 mph curve in Downtown. The remaining rural areas are 70 mph.
The southern route will still be slightly slower when complete, but having a mostly consistent 75 mph speed limit plus bypassing the swamp bridge and Baton Rouge entirely might make it more attractive for New Orleans bound traffic.
Quote from: sprjus4 on September 05, 2020, 02:00:59 AM
Quote from: bugo on September 05, 2020, 01:45:23 AM
Isn't part of I-49 in Louisiana posted at 75 MPH?
I-49 in Louisiana is posted at 75 mph for around 230 miles between the Arkansas border and Opelousas, about 20 miles north of Lafayette, excluding Shreveport and Alexandria. Before Arkansas just recently raised its speed limits to 75 mph, the speed limit abruptly dropped at the border with no reduction warning, simply "Speed Limit 70" signs coming into Arkansas.
I can think of multiple instances of state line speed limit drops with no advance warning
- US-30 drops from 70 to 60 entering Indiana from Ohio
- US-82 drops from 70 to 65 entering Mississippi from Alabama
- I-75 drops form 70 to 65 entering Tennessee from Kentucky. I remember when it was still 70 there, threw me off the first time I drove it after the change, but I completely agree with the premises for lowering the limit there.
- US-35 used to drop from 70 to 65 crossing the Silver Memorial Bridge into West Virginia, but after 3 or so years Ohio lowered the speed limit on the bridge approach (probably for sharp curves at the OH-735 interchange). I personally think Ohio never meant for that approach to be 70 but it became 70 when the speed limits were increased in 2013(?) and the sign that set the speed limit for 65 at the time was after the on ramp from OH-160 at the first Gallipolis exit, so when that sign got changed there were no signs between there and the river.
I imagine there will be no warning for I-55 going from 75 to 70 entering Missouri north of Blytheville.
100th post had to put a little extra effort into this one
Quote from: I-55 on September 05, 2020, 02:16:27 PM
- I-75 drops form 70 to 65 entering Tennessee from Kentucky. I remember when it was still 70 there, threw me off the first time I drove it after the change, but I completely agree with the premises for lowering the limit there.
It seems Tennessee just keeps slowly removing 70 mph zones from the eastern part of the state. I-81 southwest of Virginia, all of I-26, lost their 70 mph zones years ago, all now being 65 mph / 55 mph trucks.
Quote from: sprjus4 on September 05, 2020, 02:40:40 PM
Quote from: I-55 on September 05, 2020, 02:16:27 PM
- I-75 drops form 70 to 65 entering Tennessee from Kentucky. I remember when it was still 70 there, threw me off the first time I drove it after the change, but I completely agree with the premises for lowering the limit there.
It seems Tennessee just keeps slowly removing 70 mph zones from the eastern part of the state. I-81 southwest of Virginia, all of I-26, lost their 70 mph zones years ago, all now being 65 mph / 55 mph trucks.
Yet the Knoxville area saw significant speed increases this past year, which surprised me but I'll take it.
https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2019/10/21/knoxville-interstates-get-faster-speed-limit-i-40/4055653002/
^
That I'll give them, and completely appropriate IMO.
I've driven through that section when it was still 55 mph, 0 compliance. Driving at 70 mph (15 mph over) was passed numerous times, only passed a few people.
It is also nice they eliminated some of the 65 / 55 mph areas and made them 70 mph. That should be done with all of I-81 and I-26 where it's 65 / 55.
UPDATE:
I-49 between I-40 at Alma and Exit 60 (AR 256/AR 112) is now 75 mph, but drops to 65 mph around Fayetteville.
US 67 from north of Jacksonville northeastward is still at 70 mph. As soon as it goes up, I'll edit and update this post.
[edit]
Speed limit has been increased north of Jacksonville (75 mph). It is still 65 from Jacksonville to Sherwood, where it drops to 60.
And Interstate 30 (At least between Texarkana and Arkadelphia) Is still 70 mph.
It is 75 MPH on I-40 between Little Rock and West Memphis now and even with the insane amount of truck traffic, it is possible to mostly stay around the speed limit. Not ideal, but there not as many slow semi's gumming up the works as I expected there to be.
Quote from: edwaleni on June 11, 2020, 10:15:08 AM
If trucks are still limited then raising the car limit won't buy a lot unless there is little truck traffic to overtake.
For example, Little Rock to Memphis probably will not raise the average automobile speed by a large amount because it has such a large truck volume.
None of the roads (Freeways included) in SWA have had any signed changes to date. ASP says until the signs change there is no change.
The press release said I-49 would be changing and that parts of I-30 would be changing, but time will reveal all.
^ Here's the map.
Quote from: sprjus4 on June 11, 2020, 12:16:15 AM
Map of proposed 75 mph zones. Arkansas doesn't appear to be shy with this one - 75 mph will be posted on almost every rural freeway segment in the state outside urban areas.
(https://i.ibb.co/Hpb8CD8/75mpharkansas.png)
With this I-65 and I-85 will be the only x5's to not have a 75 mph or higher limit somewhere on their route (and will remain that way for the forseeable future).
Quote from: bwana39 on September 14, 2020, 11:16:40 AM
None of the roads (Freeways included) in SWA have had any signed changes to date. ASP says until the signs change there is no change.
The press release said I-49 would be changing and that parts of I-30 would be changing, but time will reveal all.
49
has changed south of Fayetteville meaning if no one is looking you can drive 85 (I was passed a number of times today)
Quote from: I-55 on September 14, 2020, 02:45:32 PM
With this I-65 and I-85 will be the only x5's to not have a 75 mph or higher limit somewhere on their route (and will remain that way for the forseeable future).
And for I-95 and I-75, it's only 75 mph in the northern desolate portions of Maine and Michigan respectively. The rest of their routes are 70 mph or lower.
If North Carolina had passed 75 mph back in 2013, potentially parts of I-95 and I-85 could've been raised. The same applies for Florida's more recent attempt and failure. I think at minimum I-10 on the Panhandle should be raised.
Quote from: I-55 on September 14, 2020, 02:45:32 PM
With this I-65 and I-85 will be the only x5's to not have a 75 mph or higher limit somewhere on their route (and will remain that way for the forseeable future).
I guess I forgot that I-5 in Washington got some 75mph signs. ??
Quote from: I-55 on September 14, 2020, 02:45:32 PM
With this I-65 and I-85 will be the only x5's to not have a 75 mph or higher limit somewhere on their route (and will remain that way for the forseeable future).
Which is a shame, because there are parts of both 65 and 85 that could probably be bumped up (Alabama says hi)...
Quote from: kphoger on September 15, 2020, 09:05:06 AM
Quote from: I-55 on September 14, 2020, 02:45:32 PM
With this I-65 and I-85 will be the only x5's to not have a 75 mph or higher limit somewhere on their route (and will remain that way for the forseeable future).
I guess I forgot that I-5 in Washington got some 75mph signs. ??
I assumed it went up just because there's 75 in the state, though I-5 seems like a natural contender for 75+ limits where it runs if it weren't for state laws.
Quote from: Ketchup99 on September 15, 2020, 10:44:38 AM
Which is a shame, because there are parts of both 65 and 85 that could probably be bumped up (Alabama says hi)...
Definitely can see I-65 going up in Alabama. I honestly would've thought I-55 would go up in Mississippi before Arkansas, but it shows how much I know.
Quote from: I-55 on September 15, 2020, 01:25:46 PM
I assumed it went up just because there's 75 in the state, though I-5 seems like a natural contender for 75+ limits where it runs if it weren't for state laws.
Last I heard, there isn't. The legislature passed a law allowing 75 limits, but the DOT refuses to post any, citing Vision Zero. Someone needs to correct the map on Wikipedia.
https://web.archive.org/web/20171013042408/https://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2016/05/i90nospeedincrease.htm
I-40 is already posted but I -55 is not as well as I-555 as I drove them a few days ago.
Quote from: roadman65 on September 18, 2020, 11:01:29 PM
I-40 is already posted but I -55 is not as well as I-555 as I drove them a few days ago.
I just drove I-55 and I-555 from Memphis to Jonesboro. Hasn't changed as of yesterday. Weird seeing all those 5's in such a small area around Turrell.
I drove all of the NWA portion of I-49 today, which is now signed 75 (trucks 70) south of Fayetteville. I take that the 70MPH curve warnings are also new?
Quote from: ozarkman417 on September 20, 2020, 10:37:06 PM
I drove all of the NWA portion of I-49 today, which is now signed 75 (trucks 70) south of Fayetteville. I take that the 70MPH curve warnings are also new?
Yes, they were installed as part of the speed increase
SM-S506DL
Quote from: ozarkman417 on September 20, 2020, 10:37:06 PM
I drove all of the NWA portion of I-49 today, which is now signed 75 (trucks 70) south of Fayetteville. I take that the 70MPH curve warnings are also new?
I've seen a few 70 mph curve warnings on I-40 as well between Van Buren and Conway.
Arkansas did have a 75 mph speed limit before the National Maximum Speed Law kicked in. So technically, they raised it back to 75 mph...
https://www.ibiblio.org/rdu/sl-attud/maps/index2.html
(https://www.ibiblio.org/rdu/sl-attud/maps/sl-map.gif)
Since I live in AR, I'll give out some current information on some of the highways.
The vast majority of 2 lane highways in AR continue to be signed at 55 mph (rural areas). Exceptions are "super 2's" like AR 530 that have 65 mph (and formerly AR 549 when it was a super 2).
5 lane "Arkansas freeways" are STILL 60 mph. Case in point: US 67 north of Walnut Ridge; US 167 north of Bald Knob.
4 lane divided highways continue to have a maximum posted limit of 65.
Rural stretches of controlled access freeways are 75 (trucks 70).
"Suburban" / semi rural stretches of controlled access freeway continue to be signed at 65 mph (AR 440; I-440). Urban areas of interstate in AR are still at 60 mph (I-30 in Little Rock between I-440 / 530 and I-40).
Personally I feel that ARDOT are holding on to 55 on 2 lanes for dear life, despite some of the 2 lane highways are designed to support 60, 65, and even 70 mph (mainly in east AR). 60 on a 5 lane highway is insanely low as well. Some can support 70 mph; most could support 65 mph easily.
To ARDOT: Not all of us drive vehicles that corner and handle like a river barge. Get with the times. It's not 1975 anymore.
Quote from: capt.ron on December 22, 2021, 02:23:50 PM
Since I live in AR, I'll give out some current information on some of the highways.
The vast majority of 2 lane highways in AR continue to be signed at 55 mph (rural areas). Exceptions are "super 2's" like AR 530 that have 65 mph (and formerly AR 549 when it was a super 2).
5 lane "Arkansas freeways" are STILL 60 mph. Case in point: US 67 north of Walnut Ridge; US 167 north of Bald Knob.
4 lane divided highways continue to have a maximum posted limit of 65.
Rural stretches of controlled access freeways are 75 (trucks 70).
"Suburban" / semi rural stretches of controlled access freeway continue to be signed at 65 mph (AR 440; I-440). Urban areas of interstate in AR are still at 60 mph (I-30 in Little Rock between I-440 / 530 and I-40).
Personally I feel that ARDOT are holding on to 55 on 2 lanes for dear life, despite some of the 2 lane highways are designed to support 60, 65, and even 70 mph (mainly in east AR). 60 on a 5 lane highway is insanely low as well. Some can support 70 mph; most could support 65 mph easily.
To ARDOT: Not all of us drive vehicles that corner and handle like a river barge. Get with the times. It's not 1975 anymore.
Yes, but tractors and log trucks do still handle like yachts at best.
I-49 on the east side of Texarkana is signed at 65 and it has minimal exits.
Quote from: tolbs17 on December 22, 2021, 12:21:16 AM
Arkansas did have a 75 mph speed limit before the National Maximum Speed Law kicked in. So technically, they raised it back to 75 mph..
I was about to say something on that and then saw this post. As a kid, our family drove the I-55 segment from IL through AR several times and it was always 70 in IL and MO and bumped up to 75 in AR. There were ominous supplemental signs in AR under the SPEED LIMIT 75 signs reading "NO TOLERANCE". I remember driving it with my mom and still having my IL learner's permit, and keeping a nervous eye on the speedometer, even though there would be occasional vehicles skipping by at 80. I figured out-of-state plates, young kid, 76 gets you popped.
Then, across the I-55 bridge in Memphis, it opened up pretty quickly to 75 following the hairpin ramps of the Crump Blvd. interchange, and I was surprised to see an urban speed limit posted that high. Didn't last long on a trip as we were soon in MS and back to 70 mph, and you didn't want to push your luck there either, with out-of-state plates from the north.
Oklahoma recently installed those NO TOLERANCE signs (replacing the minimum speed limit signs for some reason). I always think it's kind of funny seeing the combined message of [SPEED LIMIT 70] [NO TOLERANCE], since the way my mind parses it, they're saying they won't tolerate you doing the speed limit.
Quote from: Rick Powell on December 22, 2021, 11:49:32 PM
Then, across the I-55 bridge in Memphis, it opened up pretty quickly to 75 following the hairpin ramps of the Crump Blvd. interchange, and I was surprised to see an urban speed limit posted that high. Didn't last long on a trip as we were soon in MS and back to 70 mph, and you didn't want to push your luck there either, with out-of-state plates from the north.
The now-55 mph portion north / west of I-240 was 75 mph? Or the now-65 mph portion south of there?
I could see it on the latter, the former seems a bit too fast, IMO, I wouldn't go above a 65 mph posted.
I remember Michigan doing the same thing to rural freeways, particularly north of Bay City.
Arkansas Troopers will give you up to 80 in 75mph zones, 82 or 83 and your playing with getting pulled over. Slightly less lenient than the 8 to 9 over cushion in 70 and 65 mph zones. How do I know, driving experiences from Fayetteville to Memohis on the reg. I don't even check up passing them sitting in wait following that guideline.
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 23, 2021, 01:36:15 AM
Oklahoma recently installed those NO TOLERANCE signs (replacing the minimum speed limit signs for some reason). I always think it's kind of funny seeing the combined message of [SPEED LIMIT 70] [NO TOLERANCE], since the way my mind parses it, they're saying they won't tolerate you doing the speed limit.
Also the OHP does have tolerance usually up to 9-11 over from personal experience as long as you don't fly through traffic and drive recklessly. So those signs are not needed.
Quote from: sprjus4 on December 23, 2021, 01:44:43 AM
Quote from: Rick Powell on December 22, 2021, 11:49:32 PM
Then, across the I-55 bridge in Memphis, it opened up pretty quickly to 75 following the hairpin ramps of the Crump Blvd. interchange, and I was surprised to see an urban speed limit posted that high. Didn't last long on a trip as we were soon in MS and back to 70 mph, and you didn't want to push your luck there either, with out-of-state plates from the north.
The now-55 mph portion north / west of I-240 was 75 mph? Or the now-65 mph portion south of there?
I could see it on the latter, the former seems a bit too fast, IMO, I wouldn't go above a 65 mph posted.
My memory isn't clear on it, 1972 was a long time ago! But I think it opened up to 75 just south of South Parkway/Kerr Avenue, where they had the retaining walls on each side of I-55.