MnDOT increasing speed limits on more than 5,000 miles of state highways

(FOX 9) - To the delight of some drivers, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced it is increasing speed limits on more than 5,000 miles of state highways.

According to MnDOT, speed limits are increasing from 55 mph to 60 mph on 5,240 miles of state highways based on recommendations of a five-year study.

Of the 7,000 miles studied, speed limits will be increased on 77 percent of rural, two-lane state highways.

Officials said the new speed limits go into effect once new speed limit signs are posted. Most of the signs posting the new speed limits are in place, with the rest expected to be up by spring 2019.

According to MnDOT, the $1.2 million study included collecting travel speed samples on each section of roadway and evaluating roadway geometrics and hazards to determine if a speed limit could be changed without affecting motorist safety.

From 2006 to 2013, MnDOT increased speeds to 60 mph on 1,550 miles of two-lane rural highways.

MnDOT plans to study the effect of the changes over the next several years to ensure these roadways continue to operate safely.

For more information on the study, click here.