Speed Limit Going Up on Three Texoma Highways
By: Melissa Foy
Updated: February 4, 2013
In Sept. 2011, a new Texas speed limit law went into effect.
Adele Lewis, TxDOT public information officer, says, "It essentially said that after a speed study was done, that freeways around Texas could increase their speed limit to up to 70 miles per hour."
Last summer, crews upped the speed limit on I44.
Monday, they changed speed limit signs on US 287 from loop 11 in Wichita Falls to Hardeman County.
"This is just the next round," Lewis says. "Nine-thousand miles worth of Texas highways were approved for 75 just in December by the Texas Transportation Commission."
But just because the laws are passed doesn't mean you should be putting the pedal to the metal everywhere.
Trooper Tony Fulton, DPS public information officer, says, "If they don't see the 75 miles an hour signs, then the speed limit is still whatever it was previously posted as. On 287, it's still going to be 70 until you see the signs."
"As you come in and out of cities, the speed limits will drop, so you need to watch for those signs as well, because Wichita Falls is 60 miles per hour," Lewis says.
Officials say be mindful of current speed limit signs and speed limits within city limits because if you aren't abiding by those, you will get a speeding ticket.
Later in the week, TxDOT maintenance crews are expected to change the speed limit on US 287 east of Wichita Falls to the Wise County line and also on US 277/US 82 in Archer and Baylor Counties.
Those projects will be completed this week, weather permitting.
But remember---don't go 75 miles an hour until you see the signs.
Adele Lewis, TxDOT public information officer, says, "It essentially said that after a speed study was done, that freeways around Texas could increase their speed limit to up to 70 miles per hour."
Last summer, crews upped the speed limit on I44.
Monday, they changed speed limit signs on US 287 from loop 11 in Wichita Falls to Hardeman County.
"This is just the next round," Lewis says. "Nine-thousand miles worth of Texas highways were approved for 75 just in December by the Texas Transportation Commission."
But just because the laws are passed doesn't mean you should be putting the pedal to the metal everywhere.
Trooper Tony Fulton, DPS public information officer, says, "If they don't see the 75 miles an hour signs, then the speed limit is still whatever it was previously posted as. On 287, it's still going to be 70 until you see the signs."
"As you come in and out of cities, the speed limits will drop, so you need to watch for those signs as well, because Wichita Falls is 60 miles per hour," Lewis says.
Officials say be mindful of current speed limit signs and speed limits within city limits because if you aren't abiding by those, you will get a speeding ticket.
Later in the week, TxDOT maintenance crews are expected to change the speed limit on US 287 east of Wichita Falls to the Wise County line and also on US 277/US 82 in Archer and Baylor Counties.
Those projects will be completed this week, weather permitting.
But remember---don't go 75 miles an hour until you see the signs.
