Turnpike speed limits to increase to 70 mph
Following an 18-month pilot project, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has voted to increase the speed limit on most of the toll road to 70 miles per hour.
The decision will become effective when new speed limit signs are installed.
The pilot project, launched in 2014, involved a 100-mile stretch of the Turnpike from Morgantown to Blue Mountain. The study determined that there was little or no change in the average speed or in collision rates. The 55 mph speed limit in urban areas will remain, and lower speed limits will be posted in work zones as well.
PennDOT is considering raising the speed limit on other highways, including I-80 and I-380. Portions of those highways were part of another pilot program testing a 70 mph limit.
“Our first priority at PHIA is motorist, passenger, and highway worker safety,” PHIA Managing Director Jason Wagner said. “We are encouraged that the Turnpike Commission and PennDOT believe the increase will allow everyone to continue to travel safely.”
