MoDOT announces speed limit increases to 75 mph on portions of Missouri interstates

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KBSI) — The Missouri Department of Transportation has announced plans to increase speed limits to 75 mph on several stretches of interstate highways across the state, including portions of Interstate 55 in southeast Missouri.

The changes follow a new state law allowing MoDOT to raise the maximum speed limit on rural highways to 75 mph.

MoDOT announced the locations Wednesday, Oct. 21, following a comprehensive review of eligible interstate corridors.

“The department takes careful consideration of all the different factors that make up a roadway when setting speed limits, including how people use it,” MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger said. “This decision is not made lightly and comes after a detailed study into each of those factors to determine where we can move people and traffic efficiently at higher speeds without sacrificing safety.”

The department evaluated several factors before approving the increases, including traffic volumes, truck traffic, current speeds, crash history, terrain, roadway design, safety measures and active construction.

Several stretches of I-55 in southeast Missouri will see speed limits increase from 70 to 75 mph.

The affected sections include:

– Arkansas state line to mile marker 16.6: Approximately 17 miles, ending just south of the Interstate 155 interchange.
– Mile marker 19.8 to mile marker 64.9: Approximately 45 miles, beginning just north of the Missouri Route 84 interchange and ending at the Route AA bridge.
– Mile marker 70.5 to mile marker 86.6: Approximately 16 miles, beginning just north of the Route HH interchange and ending just south of the Route PP interchange.
– Mile marker 106.4 to mile marker 164.9: Approximately 59 miles, beginning just north of Exit 105 and ending at the Jefferson County line.

Additional speed limit increases are planned for portions of four other interstate highways.

Interstate 29

– Approximately 64 miles from Exit 56 in Andrew County to about 2.5 miles south of the Iowa border.

Interstate 35

– Approximately 55 miles from the northern Cameron city limit to about 4 miles south of the Iowa border.

Interstate 49

– Approximately 24 miles from the Arkansas border to Exit 24.
– Approximately 45 miles from Exit 56 to just south of Exit 101 in Nevada.

A map showing the approximate locations of the affected highways is available on MoDOT’s website.

MoDOT crews will begin updating speed limit signs along the affected interstate corridors this fall.

Drivers must continue following the currently posted speed limits until the new signs are installed.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Col. Michael A. Turner emphasized that motorists should continue prioritizing safety despite the higher speed limits.

“An increased speed limit may allow motorists to reach their destinations faster, but safety must remain a priority,” Turner said.

Turner encouraged drivers to remain alert, adjust their speeds for weather and roadway conditions, and make responsible decisions behind the wheel.

MoDOT said it will continue monitoring crash data along the affected highways and may lower speed limits back to 70 mph if necessary.

Hassinger also reminded drivers that the new 75-mph limit does not mean highways are designed for significantly higher speeds.

“The highways across our state were not built for 80+ mph traffic,” Hassinger said.

He urged motorists to wear seat belts, avoid impaired driving, remain attentive and follow posted speed limits.

For additional information, visit modot.org.