Officials are increasing speed limits on around 100 miles of Pennsylvania interstate to allow speeds of up to 70 mph, the state Department of Transportation said Wednesday.
The two sections whose speed limits will jump 5 miles from 65 mph are 88 miles on Interstate 80 in northern Clearfield and Clinton counties and 21 miles of Interstate 380 in northeastern Lackawanna and Monroe counties, CBS Pittsburgh reported.
The new speed limits will kick in the week of Aug. 11, and other interstates in the area could have increased speeds by next spring or summer.
"After thorough analysis and reviewing other states' practices, PennDOT is piloting this speed limit so we can use the data to determine where else the maximum speed could be increased," Transportation Secretary Barry Schoch said in a statement.
"Safety is our top priority in this process, and I urge drivers to obey the speed limit whether they're in their neighborhood or on an interstate."
The Pennsylvania Turnpike will take about six minutes less for drivers after the speed limit increase, according to LancasterOnline.
"The interest is to match the actual operating speed with the posted speed," Barry Schoch, the state transportation secretary, said on Wednesday.
PennDOT will gather data from pilot locations that will influence whether or not other 65-mile stretches of interstate get an increased speed limit.
Officials have already cautioned drivers not to abuse the extra 5 miles they've been given.
"As we increase the speed limit on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, motorists need to increase their restraint behind the wheel accordingly," Turnpike CEO Mark Compton said in a statement quoted by CBS Pittsburgh. "Remember, even though we're increasing the speed limit, motorists still must obey the law and drive safety. After all, 70 mph is the maximum speed, not the mandatory speed."
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