Penn. Transportation Officials Prepare to Study Higher Speed Limits

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Pennsylvania highway officials are preparing to spend up to six months reviewing Pennsylvania’s interstate system as they decide which areas are suitable for higher speeds.

Part of the major transportation funding measure that Gov. Tom Corbett is signing Monday allows the state’s transportation secretary to increase speed limits from 65 mph to 70 mph on certain highways.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation spokesman Richard Kirkpatrick tells the Tribune-Democrat of Johnstown that Pennsylvania has 700 signs posting the 65-mph limit. It costs $245 to replace each one.

The Pennsylvania AAA Federation doesn’t oppose the move to 70 mph, as long as PennDOT adequately studies the safety impact. The Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania also doesn’t oppose it.

Most states already have a top speed limit of 70 mph or higher.