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Speed limits going up on southern Idaho
freeways;
no change on I-90 in northern Idaho
Some state
highways may also eventually increase |
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June 23, 2014 |
Idaho drivers will see the first change to
interstate speed limits in nearly two decades
beginning July 1 with an increase on most rural
stretches of interstate across Southern Idaho,
the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
For the majority of interstates 15, 84, and 86,
the speed limit will increase to 80 mph for
vehicle traffic and 70 mph for trucks. The speed
limit in the urban areas of the Ada County,
between Caldwell and east Boise, as well as
through Pocatello and Idaho Falls, will remain
at 65 mph.
There are no changes to the 65-mph speed limit
on Interstate 90 through northern Idaho at this
time.
This is the first statewide increase to the
interstate speed limit since an increase from 65
to 75 mph in 1996. The speed limit was raised
from 55 mph to 65 mph in the 1980s.
The increased speed limit, approved by the Idaho
Legislature during the 2014 session, increases
the maximum speed limits on interstate highways
to 80 mph for vehicles and 70 mph for trucks as
deemed appropriate by ITD.
The law was signed by Governor C.L. “Butch”
Otter on March 18 and becomes effective July 1.
The 80-mph speed limit is authorized “if the
department completes an engineering and traffic
study on the interstate highway and concludes
that the increase is in the public interest,”
the law reads.
"The new speed limit is appropriate for safety
and traffic flow," said ITD Chief Operations
Officer Jim Carpenter. “Analysis of crash data,
existing speed studies and the rural nature of
these sections of highway all factored heavily
in making these changes.”
ITD has been preparing for interstate
speed-limit changes by completing the necessary
speed studies, engineering reviews, and
stockpiling supplies for the one-day change.
The revised speed limit law also allowed for
speed-limit increases on state highways to 70
mph. Any increases on state highways will be
completed at later dates as engineering studies
can be completed.
Drivers are reminded that the speed limit does
not take effect until the signs are posted on
each section of roadway. Any current speed limit
signs remain enforceable until replaced. The
80-mph speed limit will be legally enforceable
immediately upon posting. |
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