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National Boards => General Highway Talk => Topic started by: geek11111 on March 24, 2023, 12:26:14 PM

Title: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: geek11111 on March 24, 2023, 12:26:14 PM
Why do some 2-lane undivided roads has speed limit 70 (and even 75)?
I don't think anyone, unless looking for trouble, may go more than 60 at night on these roads.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: kphoger on March 24, 2023, 12:46:50 PM
You're obviously talking about Texas.  Did you mean to post this in General Highway Talk?

Quote from: geek11111 on March 24, 2023, 12:26:14 PM
Why do some 2-lane undivided roads has speed limit 70 (and even 75)?

Because the state legislation that allows 75 mph speed limits in Texas does not differentiate between classifications of highway:  they're all just highways, legally speaking.  Therefore, it applies to two-lane highways just as it does to four-lane highways.

Quote from: geek11111 on March 24, 2023, 12:26:14 PM
I don't think anyone, unless looking for trouble, may go more than 60 at night on these roads.

Depending on which part of the state you're in, and what time of year, anything above 55 will bag you a deer.

But, anyway, nobody's forcing you to drive over 60 at night.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 24, 2023, 12:55:05 PM
I must've have been looking for a shit load of trouble over the years then.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: froggie on March 24, 2023, 02:12:02 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 24, 2023, 12:55:05 PM
I must've have been looking for a shit load of trouble over the years then.

You just haven't paid your "bill" yet...
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: webny99 on March 24, 2023, 02:23:48 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 24, 2023, 12:46:50 PM
You're obviously talking about Texas.  Did you mean to post this in General Highway Talk?

To be fair, Texas is so huge that maybe the OP isn't aware that 75 mph on two-lane undivided roads is unique to Texas. And aren't there other states that have 70 mph, or am I misremembering...?

That said, I don't think it should be unique to Texas. 70 mph would be perfectly fine here (https://goo.gl/maps/e2p47fJFHsfYjiDv6), for example, where 55 mph feels like crawling.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 24, 2023, 03:00:12 PM
Quote from: froggie on March 24, 2023, 02:12:02 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 24, 2023, 12:55:05 PM
I must've have been looking for a shit load of trouble over the years then.

You just haven't paid your "bill" yet...

Perhaps, some of those open range two lane highways with 70 MPH plus speed limits get your attention at night. 
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: Brandon on March 24, 2023, 03:43:18 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 24, 2023, 02:23:48 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 24, 2023, 12:46:50 PM
You're obviously talking about Texas.  Did you mean to post this in General Highway Talk?

To be fair, Texas is so huge that maybe the OP isn't aware that 75 mph on two-lane undivided roads is unique to Texas. And aren't there other states that have 70 mph, or am I misremembering...?

That said, I don't think it should be unique to Texas. 70 mph would be perfectly fine here (https://goo.gl/maps/e2p47fJFHsfYjiDv6), for example, where 55 mph feels like crawling.

Yes, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Oregon all have rural undivided speed limits of 70 mph.  75 mph is unique to Texas.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 24, 2023, 04:18:35 PM
I really wish Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin would go to 60 or 65 for 2-lane roads.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: kphoger on March 24, 2023, 04:27:15 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 24, 2023, 04:18:35 PM
I really wish Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin would go to 60 or 65 for 2-lane roads.

Yeah, even 60 is somewhat reasonable in that part of the country.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: geek11111 on March 24, 2023, 06:30:13 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 24, 2023, 04:18:35 PM
I really wish Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin would go to 60 or 65 for 2-lane roads.


You mean they should be slowed down from like 65-70?
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: HighwayStar on March 24, 2023, 06:50:00 PM
70-75 on a 2 lane is perfectly reasonable in the western states where there are wide open spaces with many miles between intersections of any significance.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 24, 2023, 07:25:41 PM
Quote from: geek11111 on March 24, 2023, 06:30:13 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 24, 2023, 04:18:35 PM
I really wish Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin would go to 60 or 65 for 2-lane roads.


You mean they should be slowed down from like 65-70?

No, they're capped at 55 and should be allowed to go higher (in my opinion). My state of Minnesota has increased most rural 2-lane mileage from 55 to 60 over the last decade after the state mandated studying 55 MPH roads for potential speed increases.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: Mapmikey on March 24, 2023, 07:49:53 PM
Florida has 60 mph on 2-lane roads
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: bugo on March 24, 2023, 08:09:58 PM
Some Texas 2 lane highways have wide shoulders, and Texas drivers are well-known for pulling over and letting you by if you wanted to go faster than them. If everybody would drive that way and all 2 lane roads had wide shoulders, this would be an acceptable alternative to 4 lane highways in certain situations, but it probably wouldn't save a whole lot of money in the long run.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: I-55 on March 25, 2023, 12:59:25 AM
Quote from: geek11111 on March 24, 2023, 06:30:13 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 24, 2023, 04:18:35 PM
I really wish Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin would go to 60 or 65 for 2-lane roads.


You mean they should be slowed down from like 65-70?

In most of the Great Lakes states (excluding northern Michigan), 2-lane undivided highways are capped at 55 mph. Most states that have 65+ mph allowable on 2-lane routes also include Mountain time.

I had a bit of a chuckle reading this as in Iowa and Indiana, at least, non-interstate freeways are capped at 65 despite interstates being 70. We have a little more to cover before we get to raising 2-lane speed limits beyond our current freeway speeds.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: Roadgeekteen on March 25, 2023, 02:35:35 AM
Because these roads are often straight and in the middle of nowhere, with no driveways, traffic lights, or any distruptions. Also for night, you are supposed to lower your speed to match conditions, which could mean slowing down below the speed limit at night. The speed limit is meant to be under ideal conditions.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: GaryV on March 25, 2023, 05:37:42 AM
I could post that the speed limits on 2-lane rural roads should be 59 or 67 or 73. But I wouldn't do that.  :-D
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on March 25, 2023, 07:15:23 AM
It depends on the location of the 2-lane undivided roads. Here in New England, the speed limit on many seems to be 55 (although the de facto speed limit is higher for many drivers). Given the relatively dense population and age of the roads and communities, it probably shouldn't be much higher, although this depends on the specific location.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: Brandon on March 25, 2023, 07:19:03 AM
Quote from: geek11111 on March 24, 2023, 06:30:13 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 24, 2023, 04:18:35 PM
I really wish Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin would go to 60 or 65 for 2-lane roads.

You mean they should be slowed down from like 65-70?

Believe it or not, not everywhere is like Texas.  Most states to the east and northeast of Texas have 55 mph limits on two-lane roads.

The table here is pretty accurate: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_limits_in_the_United_States
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: thspfc on March 25, 2023, 07:47:13 AM
55 is fine for Wisconsin. It's not a plains state - the terrain is more rolly and curvy, and therefore the roads are as well. In addition, due to higher population density, two lane roads are busier on average here than they are in states where the limit is above 55 on two lane roads.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: JoePCool14 on March 25, 2023, 10:18:47 AM
Quote from: thspfc on March 25, 2023, 07:47:13 AM
55 is fine for Wisconsin. It's not a plains state - the terrain is more rolly and curvy, and therefore the roads are as well. In addition, due to higher population density, two lane roads are busier on average here than they are in states where the limit is above 55 on two lane roads.

I second this. Maybe certain segments could be 60 or 65, but once you get into rural enough regions to justify it, you're more likely to hit a deer.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: TEG24601 on March 25, 2023, 10:50:16 AM
It all comes down to quality of the road, line of sight, and entrances.  There are a lot of places where it makes sense, with enough clear space.  But then again, a speed limit should be the speed at which 85% of drivers are comfortable driving.  So if you have a 55 MPH road with lots of people doing 70, maybe make it 65, adjust some of the clearances and run-off, and be better off for everyone.  Especially, because then people expecting one sort of speed, aren't blindsided by an entirely different speed.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: SEWIGuy on March 25, 2023, 11:35:34 AM
Quote from: thspfc on March 25, 2023, 07:47:13 AM
55 is fine for Wisconsin. It's not a plains state - the terrain is more rolly and curvy, and therefore the roads are as well. In addition, due to higher population density, two lane roads are busier on average here than they are in states where the limit is above 55 on two lane roads.


There are some highways in northern Wisconsin (WI-13 for instance) that could be higher, but by and large you are correct.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: Roadgeekteen on March 25, 2023, 01:47:53 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on March 25, 2023, 07:15:23 AM
It depends on the location of the 2-lane undivided roads. Here in New England, the speed limit on many seems to be 55 (although the de facto speed limit is higher for many drivers). Given the relatively dense population and age of the roads and communities, it probably shouldn't be much higher, although this depends on the specific location.
Select stretches of 2 lane roads, especially in Maine, could be 60-65 but for most of New England 55 is more than enough. Some New England states won't even post 55 on 2 lane roads.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: SD Mapman on March 25, 2023, 11:50:35 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 25, 2023, 10:18:47 AM
Quote from: thspfc on March 25, 2023, 07:47:13 AM
55 is fine for Wisconsin. It's not a plains state - the terrain is more rolly and curvy, and therefore the roads are as well. In addition, due to higher population density, two lane roads are busier on average here than they are in states where the limit is above 55 on two lane roads.

I second this. Maybe certain segments could be 60 or 65, but once you get into rural enough regions to justify it, you're more likely to hit a deer.
Well and you guys have all those trees, which makes it hard to see anything. The further west you go, the fewer trees (on average) are next to the road, which allows for earlier wildlife spotting.

As mentioned earlier, WY has 70-mph two lane roads (which is nice), but sometimes it doesn't line up nicely at state lines. Old US 14 at the SD/WY border jumps from 55 (the SD maximum for county roads) to 70 with no real difference in roadway design (except WY kept the wide shoulders from the US 14 days, would have liked Lawrence County to do that too instead of narrowing the shoulder when they repaved it back in the early 2000s but that's a personal pet peeve). I have not personally seen anyone really slow down at the border heading back from Beulah on my runs/bike rides.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: Hunty2022 on March 26, 2023, 10:44:19 AM
Is there any 60 MPH parts of 2 lane roads in Virginia, or is the limit 55?
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: 1995hoo on March 26, 2023, 12:03:36 PM
Quote from: Hunty2022 on March 26, 2023, 10:44:19 AM
Is there any 60 MPH parts of 2 lane roads in Virginia, or is the limit 55?

There are no 60-mph limits in Virginia on anything that is not at least a four-lane divided highway. The 60-mph zones on non-freeways (though we don't generally use that word here) are specified by statute, so not just any four-lane divided highway is eligible.

I read somewhere that Florida is, or at least at one point was, the only state east of the Mississippi that posts anything higher than 55 on two-lane roads. I don't know whether that's still true. For some reason, my mind keeps telling me that in 1997 I drove on a two-lane road in Alabama, somewhere northeast of Montgomery and southwest of Martin Lake, that had a 65-mph speed limit, but it's probably my mind playing tricks on me.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 26, 2023, 12:28:53 PM
Speaking of 55 MPH two lane roads, there are plenty in the Central Valley of California that could easily be sign posted as 60-65 MPH.  One that comes to mind is Nees Avenue between CA 33 in Firebaugh to I-5.  I usually go 65 MPH on Nees but almost everyone else hits 70 MPH or higher.  CHP was even out there yesterday pulling people over and giving them warnings for speeding.  The week prior they doing the same thing on Avenue 7 west of CA 145.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: dlsterner on March 26, 2023, 01:55:59 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 26, 2023, 12:03:36 PM
I read somewhere that Florida is, or at least at one point was, the only state east of the Mississippi that posts anything higher than 55 on two-lane roads. I don't know whether that's still true.

I was in Florida last December and can verify that there are still two-lane roads posted at 60 mph.  Don't know about any other states east of the Mississippi off the top of my head.

It certainly helps that these roads are usually flat* and straight with good sight lines and shoulders.

*As we know, Florida is quite flat.  Even flatter than Illinois.

(Edited to fix typing/autocorrect error:  nightlines -> sight lines)
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: SEWIGuy on March 26, 2023, 01:58:16 PM
Quote from: SD Mapman on March 25, 2023, 11:50:35 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 25, 2023, 10:18:47 AM
Quote from: thspfc on March 25, 2023, 07:47:13 AM
55 is fine for Wisconsin. It's not a plains state - the terrain is more rolly and curvy, and therefore the roads are as well. In addition, due to higher population density, two lane roads are busier on average here than they are in states where the limit is above 55 on two lane roads.

I second this. Maybe certain segments could be 60 or 65, but once you get into rural enough regions to justify it, you're more likely to hit a deer.
Well and you guys have all those trees, which makes it hard to see anything. The further west you go, the fewer trees (on average) are next to the road, which allows for earlier wildlife spotting.

As mentioned earlier, WY has 70-mph two lane roads (which is nice), but sometimes it doesn't line up nicely at state lines. Old US 14 at the SD/WY border jumps from 55 (the SD maximum for county roads) to 70 with no real difference in roadway design (except WY kept the wide shoulders from the US 14 days, would have liked Lawrence County to do that too instead of narrowing the shoulder when they repaved it back in the early 2000s but that's a personal pet peeve). I have not personally seen anyone really slow down at the border heading back from Beulah on my runs/bike rides.


Trees aren't much of a problem on some of these roads.  They sit on pretty large right of ways.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: 1995hoo on March 26, 2023, 01:59:20 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on March 26, 2023, 01:55:59 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 26, 2023, 12:03:36 PM
I read somewhere that Florida is, or at least at one point was, the only state east of the Mississippi that posts anything higher than 55 on two-lane roads. I don't know whether that's still true.

I was in Florida last December and can verify that there are still two-lane roads posted at 60 mph.  Don't know about any other states east of the Mississippi off the top of my head.

It certainly helps that these roads are usually flat* and straight with good nightlines and shoulders.

*As we know, Florida is quite flat.  Even flatter than Illinois.

Oh, I definitely know Florida has 60-mph speed limits on some two-lane roads (I've driven on some of them). I simply meant I don't know whether any other state east of the Mississippi might have posted any at some point.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: dlsterner on March 26, 2023, 02:59:32 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 26, 2023, 01:59:20 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on March 26, 2023, 01:55:59 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 26, 2023, 12:03:36 PM
I read somewhere that Florida is, or at least at one point was, the only state east of the Mississippi that posts anything higher than 55 on two-lane roads. I don't know whether that's still true.

I was in Florida last December and can verify that there are still two-lane roads posted at 60 mph.  Don't know about any other states east of the Mississippi off the top of my head.

It certainly helps that these roads are usually flat* and straight with good sight ines and shoulders.

*As we know, Florida is quite flat.  Even flatter than Illinois.

Oh, I definitely know Florida has 60-mph speed limits on some two-lane roads (I've driven on some of them). I simply meant I don't know whether any other state east of the Mississippi might have posted any at some point.

Gotcha.  I just misunderstood your comment.  My bad.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: GaryV on March 26, 2023, 03:47:25 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 26, 2023, 01:59:20 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on March 26, 2023, 01:55:59 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 26, 2023, 12:03:36 PM
I read somewhere that Florida is, or at least at one point was, the only state east of the Mississippi that posts anything higher than 55 on two-lane roads. I don't know whether that's still true.

I was in Florida last December and can verify that there are still two-lane roads posted at 60 mph.  Don't know about any other states east of the Mississippi off the top of my head.

It certainly helps that these roads are usually flat* and straight with good nightlines and shoulders.

*As we know, Florida is quite flat.  Even flatter than Illinois.

Oh, I definitely know Florida has 60-mph speed limits on some two-lane roads (I've driven on some of them). I simply meant I don't know whether any other state east of the Mississippi might have posted any at some point.

Michigan does, since 2017
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: kphoger on March 27, 2023, 03:10:27 PM
Quote from: bugo on March 24, 2023, 08:09:58 PM
Some Texas 2 lane highways have wide shoulders, and Texas drivers are well-known for pulling over and letting you by if you wanted to go faster than them. If everybody would drive that way and all 2 lane roads had wide shoulders, this would be an acceptable alternative to 4 lane highways in certain situations, but it probably wouldn't save a whole lot of money in the long run.

It isn't just that drivers are known for it, either.  According to Texas state law, letting a faster vehicle pass you is an explicitly permissible reason to drive on the right shoulder.

Quote from: Texas Transportation Code
§ 545.058 – DRIVING ON IMPROVED SHOULDER.

(a) An operator may drive on an improved shoulder to the right of the main traveled portion of a roadway if that operation is necessary and may be done safely, but only:

  (1) to stop, stand, or park;

  (2) to accelerate before entering the main traveled lane of traffic;

  (3) to decelerate before making a right turn;

  (4) to pass another vehicle that is slowing or stopped on the main traveled portion of the highway, disabled, or preparing to make a left turn;

  (5) to allow another vehicle traveling faster to pass;

  (6) as permitted or required by an official traffic-control device; or

  (7) to avoid a collision.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: bwana39 on March 28, 2023, 11:07:15 PM
Quote from: Brandon on March 24, 2023, 03:43:18 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 24, 2023, 02:23:48 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 24, 2023, 12:46:50 PM
You're obviously talking about Texas.  Did you mean to post this in General Highway Talk?

To be fair, Texas is so huge that maybe the OP isn't aware that 75 mph on two-lane undivided roads is unique to Texas. And aren't there other states that have 70 mph, or am I misremembering...?

That said, I don't think it should be unique to Texas. 70 mph would be perfectly fine here (https://goo.gl/maps/e2p47fJFHsfYjiDv6), for example, where 55 mph feels like crawling.

Yes, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Oregon all have rural undivided speed limits of 70 mph.  75 mph is unique to Texas.

Yes, Texas has 70 and 75 on some 2-laned roads. They are cutting them back slowly but surely. This being so, there are still many that will never go down. Having grown up here, I don't get the big deal. And don't let the truckers act like they don't understand or maybe that we don't understand them . The fastest vehicles were the rock and sand haulers for Red River Sand & Gravel driving 80+ mpg on US-271 between Paris and Talco.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: bugo on April 28, 2023, 12:12:15 PM
Quote from: geek11111 on March 24, 2023, 12:26:14 PM
Why do some 2-lane undivided roads has speed limit 70 (and even 75)?
I don't think anyone, unless looking for trouble, may go more than 60 at night on these roads.

There are tons of 2 lane roads where 75 and even faster is perfectly safe. 75 is a rational speed limit on many straight, flat roads with wide shoulders and good geometry and low traffic volumes. 60 at night would be unreasonably slow for a lot of 2 lane roads.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: bugo on April 28, 2023, 12:36:23 PM
This is a rare example of a road that has a higher posted speed limit that I'm comfortable with. This is Ward County Road 13 northwest of Minot, North Dakota. CR 13 is a decent dirt road, but not a road that I would drive at 55 MPH. Here is a similar image from Street View (https://www.google.com/maps/@48.3070417,-101.5205607,3a,40.1y,209.87h,91.42t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sBZzLdB9FdkAbWgJzFSPjWQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) where you can see how much dirt cars kick up on this road. Curves, hills, poor visibility. I have done 70 MPH on dirt roads in Nebraska, but they were level, straight and wide. I might do 55 at certain points along CR 13, but I wouldn't set the cruise at 55 on this road.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/2541/3805962707_98b7eb77fa_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 28, 2023, 12:40:22 PM
The dirt parts of Soda Lake Road are signed by the Bureau of Land Management at 55 MPH in Carrizo Plain National Monument.  The for most part 50-55 MPH is actually a reasonable pace in dry weather.  They even threw in advisory speeds for the sharper curves:

https://flic.kr/p/2j9qH64
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: capt.ron on April 28, 2023, 12:51:05 PM
Arkansas is still at 55 mph for 2 lane roads, whether they have wide shoulders or not. Exceptions are "super 2" highways like AR 530 (and formerly 549 around the Bella Vista area) which have 65 mph limits. Their "5 lane freeways" are 60 mph in rural sections. A lot of 2 lane highways east and south of the hilly areas of the state (Ouachita and Ozark mountains) could use either 60 or 65 mph on 2 lane roads... and "5 lane freeways" could be increased to 65 or 70 mph, depending on sight lines, curves or lack of, and so on.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: kphoger on April 28, 2023, 01:10:40 PM
Quote from: bugo on April 28, 2023, 12:36:23 PM
This is a rare example of a road that has a higher posted speed limit that I'm comfortable with. This is Ward County Road 13 northwest of Minot, North Dakota. CR 13 is a decent dirt road, but not a road that I would drive at 55 MPH.

Plenty of states don't differentiate between paved and unpaved roads in the statutes that deal with speed limits.  This means that, if the basic speed limit for rural non-Interstate roads is 55 mph, then any unposted gravel or dirt road in the state has a 55 mph speed limit by statute.

For example, this is true in Kansas–a state with approximately 100,000 miles of unpaved roads within its borders.  Most of those roads have no speed limit signs, meaning the speed limit on them is 55 mph.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: bugo on April 28, 2023, 01:18:58 PM
Quote from: capt.ron on April 28, 2023, 12:51:05 PM
Arkansas is still at 55 mph for 2 lane roads, whether they have wide shoulders or not. Exceptions are "super 2" highways like AR 530 (and formerly 549 around the Bella Vista area) which have 65 mph limits. Their "5 lane freeways" are 60 mph in rural sections. A lot of 2 lane highways east and south of the hilly areas of the state (Ouachita and Ozark mountains) could use either 60 or 65 mph on 2 lane roads... and "5 lane freeways" could be increased to 65 or 70 mph, depending on sight lines, curves or lack of, and so on.

Some highways even in the northwestern half of the state could easily handle 60 or 65. There was some talk a few years ago about raising the speed limits on certain 2 lane highways, but I haven't heard anything about it for a long time. I remember that US 71 was one of the highways that was included.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: sprjus4 on April 28, 2023, 01:19:39 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on March 28, 2023, 11:07:15 PM
They are cutting them back slowly but surely..
Interestingly enough, a segment of SH-136 / SH-2678 south of Refugio was just recently increased from 70 mph to 75 mph within the past few years. I'm not sure they're all going down...
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: bugo on April 28, 2023, 01:30:37 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 28, 2023, 01:10:40 PM
Quote from: bugo on April 28, 2023, 12:36:23 PM
This is a rare example of a road that has a higher posted speed limit that I'm comfortable with. This is Ward County Road 13 northwest of Minot, North Dakota. CR 13 is a decent dirt road, but not a road that I would drive at 55 MPH.

Plenty of states don't differentiate between paved and unpaved roads in the statutes that deal with speed limits.  This means that, if the basic speed limit for rural non-Interstate roads is 55 mph, then any unposted gravel or dirt road in the state has a 55 mph speed limit by statute.
For example, this is true in Kansas–a state with approximately 100,000 miles of unpaved roads within its borders.  Most of those roads have no speed limit signs, meaning the speed limit on them is 55 mph.

That's what made me make a double take, the sign itself. I had never seen a 55 MPH speed limit sign on a gravel road.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: WestDakota on April 30, 2023, 02:23:37 AM
Quote from: Brandon on March 24, 2023, 03:43:18 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 24, 2023, 02:23:48 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 24, 2023, 12:46:50 PM
You're obviously talking about Texas.  Did you mean to post this in General Highway Talk?

To be fair, Texas is so huge that maybe the OP isn't aware that 75 mph on two-lane undivided roads is unique to Texas. And aren't there other states that have 70 mph, or am I misremembering...?

That said, I don't think it should be unique to Texas. 70 mph would be perfectly fine here (https://goo.gl/maps/e2p47fJFHsfYjiDv6), for example, where 55 mph feels like crawling.

Yes, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Oregon all have rural undivided speed limits of 70 mph.  75 mph is unique to Texas.

North Dakota is actually 65 for undivided highways.  70 is only the 4 lane divided highways like US 83 and US 2.  The main table on the wikipedia page for US speed limits says 70 for undivided, but that is not even supported by the footnote references, so I don't know why that is there.   https://www.dot.nd.gov/imgs/speedzonemap-lrg.png
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: Ellie on April 30, 2023, 06:22:16 AM
Quote from: bugo on April 28, 2023, 12:36:23 PM
This is a rare example of a road that has a higher posted speed limit that I'm comfortable with. This is Ward County Road 13 northwest of Minot, North Dakota. CR 13 is a decent dirt road, but not a road that I would drive at 55 MPH. Here is a similar image from Street View (https://www.google.com/maps/@48.3070417,-101.5205607,3a,40.1y,209.87h,91.42t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sBZzLdB9FdkAbWgJzFSPjWQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) where you can see how much dirt cars kick up on this road. Curves, hills, poor visibility. I have done 70 MPH on dirt roads in Nebraska, but they were level, straight and wide. I might do 55 at certain points along CR 13, but I wouldn't set the cruise at 55 on this road.


The only surprising thing to me is that they'd post this limit. Speed limit on roads like this isn't a recommendation, it's just a "you won't get a ticket unless you're going faster" (assuming you're driving safely otherwise) and for dirt roads, 55 is a reasonable thing to put that at. But I can't recall ever seeing a rural posted speed limit on a dirt road in Michigan (where it's 55) or Texas (where it's 60).
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: bugo on April 30, 2023, 08:55:19 AM
Quote from: Ellie on April 30, 2023, 06:22:16 AM
The only surprising thing to me is that they'd post this limit. Speed limit on roads like this isn't a recommendation, it's just a "you won't get a ticket unless you're going faster" (assuming you're driving safely otherwise) and for dirt roads, 55 is a reasonable thing to put that at. But I can't recall ever seeing a rural posted speed limit on a dirt road in Michigan (where it's 55) or Texas (where it's 60).

55 would be suicidal on the dirt roads that I grew up around in western Arkansas. It wouldn't be smart even on a lot of paved county roads in that part of the country.

I was surprised when driving down some paved county roads in Ward County that were signed with a 65 MPH speed limit. These were wide concrete roads with shoulders, but the high speed limit caught my attention.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: Rothman on April 30, 2023, 09:13:50 AM
Quote from: bugo on April 30, 2023, 08:55:19 AM
Quote from: Ellie on April 30, 2023, 06:22:16 AM
The only surprising thing to me is that they'd post this limit. Speed limit on roads like this isn't a recommendation, it's just a "you won't get a ticket unless you're going faster" (assuming you're driving safely otherwise) and for dirt roads, 55 is a reasonable thing to put that at. But I can't recall ever seeing a rural posted speed limit on a dirt road in Michigan (where it's 55) or Texas (where it's 60).

55 would be suicidal on the dirt roads that I grew up around in western Arkansas. It wouldn't be smart even on a lot of paved county roads in that part of the country.

I was surprised when driving down some paved county roads in Ward County that were signed with a 65 MPH speed limit. These were wide concrete roads with shoulders, but the high speed limit caught my attention.
Speed limits are a maximum, not a minimum.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: Ellie on May 05, 2023, 02:08:34 AM
Quote from: Rothman on April 30, 2023, 09:13:50 AM
Quote from: bugo on April 30, 2023, 08:55:19 AM
Quote from: Ellie on April 30, 2023, 06:22:16 AM
The only surprising thing to me is that they'd post this limit. Speed limit on roads like this isn't a recommendation, it's just a "you won't get a ticket unless you're going faster" (assuming you're driving safely otherwise) and for dirt roads, 55 is a reasonable thing to put that at. But I can't recall ever seeing a rural posted speed limit on a dirt road in Michigan (where it's 55) or Texas (where it's 60).

55 would be suicidal on the dirt roads that I grew up around in western Arkansas. It wouldn't be smart even on a lot of paved county roads in that part of the country.

I was surprised when driving down some paved county roads in Ward County that were signed with a 65 MPH speed limit. These were wide concrete roads with shoulders, but the high speed limit caught my attention.
Speed limits are a maximum, not a minimum.

Yeah. I'd never drive 55 on most of the dirt roads in Michigan... on the other hand, many pickup truck drivers would beg to differ. Kinda crazy getting overtaken on the bumpiest road imaginable, in the rain, when you're going ~35. Guess their suspensions take it alright.
Title: Re: Speed limits for 2-lane undivided
Post by: geek11111 on May 05, 2023, 06:36:24 PM
Quote from: Rothman on April 30, 2023, 09:13:50 AM
Quote from: bugo on April 30, 2023, 08:55:19 AM
Quote from: Ellie on April 30, 2023, 06:22:16 AM
The only surprising thing to me is that they'd post this limit. Speed limit on roads like this isn't a recommendation, it's just a "you won't get a ticket unless you're going faster" (assuming you're driving safely otherwise) and for dirt roads, 55 is a reasonable thing to put that at. But I can't recall ever seeing a rural posted speed limit on a dirt road in Michigan (where it's 55) or Texas (where it's 60).

55 would be suicidal on the dirt roads that I grew up around in western Arkansas. It wouldn't be smart even on a lot of paved county roads in that part of the country.

I was surprised when driving down some paved county roads in Ward County that were signed with a 65 MPH speed limit. These were wide concrete roads with shoulders, but the high speed limit caught my attention.
Speed limits are a maximum, not a minimum.


But many aggressive drivers treat it as minimum.
And they'll tailgate you. After few minutes, if you don't accelerate to (Limit + 10) they will coal rolling you.  :spin: