TL/DR –
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is raising the Interstate 17 speed limit south of Peoria Avenue to 65 mph following an independent study and public input. The new speed limit will take effect when ADOT replaces the current 55 mph signs along I-17, which is expected to be completed by the end of October. The study determined that a 65 mph speed limit is appropriate as it more closely reflects the speed most people are currently driving and could improve compliance, providing an effective tool for law enforcement.
Arizona Department of Transportation Raises Interstate 17 Speed Limit
As a sequel to an independent study and public input, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is raising the speed limit on Interstate 17, south of Peoria Avenue, to 65 mph. This change will come into effect when ADOT replaces the current 55 mph signs along I-17 between the I-10 “Split” interchange and Peoria Avenue, projected to be completed by the end of October.
The analysis established a 65 mph speed limit within that stretch of I-17 as suitable since it mirrors the speed most drivers currently travel and find reasonable. This adjustment is likely to boost compliance, serving as an effective tool for law enforcement. It is also expected to improve safety by resulting in more drivers traveling at similar speeds.
The legislation (SB 1102) that led to the study stipulates a minimum speed limit of 65 mph on any interstate highway located in counties with a population of 3 million or more. According to this law, a lower speed limit can be set if certain conditions are fulfilled, including if an independent engineering investigation or roadway assessment necessitates a lower limit, if the freeway’s overall capacity and mobility won’t be reduced, and if the public is given an opportunity for input.
The speed limit is set at a minimum of 65 mph on other interstate highways in the Phoenix area. Maricopa County is the only county in Arizona with a population exceeding 3 million. On this subject, nearly 11,000 people submitted feedback to ADOT via a public survey. Approximately 75 percent of respondents favored raising the speed limit to 65 mph.
Arizona law allows ADOT to establish speed limits on the state highway system based on an engineering and traffic investigation. The I-17 speed study considered various factors, such as average driving speeds, crash history, traffic volumes, and roadway design, to recommend a suitable speed limit.
To learn more about how ADOT establishes speed limits, please visit azdot.gov/SpeedLimits.
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