Highway Commission seeks comment on proposal to increase speed limits on Arkansas highways

by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) 1,014 views 

After an engineering and traffic investigation, the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT) wants to increase the speed limit on rural interstates to 75 mph, from 70 mph. On Oct. 18, the Arkansas Highway Commission approved a draft copy of the investigation and will accept comments on it for 45 days.

ArDOT also recommended increasing the speed limit for urban interstates and rural multi-lane highways to 65 mph. Most urban freeways have a 60 mph speed limit, and rural multi-lane highways have 55-65 mph speed limits. All other highways have a 55 mph speed limit, and ArDOT would allow the option to increase the speed limit to 60 mph if an engineering study “determines that a higher speed limit is warranted.”

The engineering and traffic investigation was completed as directed under Act 1097 of the 91st General Assembly. The deadline to comment on the investigation is Dec. 13. Click here to comment.