Ark. mulls raising speed limit to 75 mph on rural interstates

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Arkansas residents are now commenting on raising the speed limit on interstates, such as I-40 (shown above), from 70 to 75 mph, as well as speed limits on highways throughout the state.Arkansas residents are now commenting on raising the speed limit on interstates, such as I-40 (shown above), from 70 to 75 mph, as well as speed limits on highways throughout the state.

Arkansas drivers could soon be driving faster, if new speed-limit recommendations are approved.

The legislature has approved increasing the limit from 70 mph to 75 mph on interstates and left open the possibility of increasing limits on other highways – if it can be done safely.

The Arkansas Department of Transportation has completed a study that recommends increasing speed limits on interstates and highways throughout the state.

The ADOT study recommends the following limits:

  • Rural interstates – 75 mph, up from 70 mph.
  • Urban interstates – 65 mph, up from 60 mph.
  • Rural multi-lane highways – 65 mph, unless an engineering study determines the need for a lower speed limit. This is up from 55 to 65 mph, depending on the highway.
  • Other rural highways – keep 55 mph, with the option to increase to 60 mph on highways where an engineering study determines a higher speed limit is warranted.

The state has begun a 45-day comment period on the study. The comment period ends December 13.