Pennsylvania ups speed limit to 70 mph on some highways

Headed through Pennsylvania?

Starting today the trip will be quicker, as Keystone State officials decided to raise the speed limit on much of the Turnpike and parts of their interstates from 65 mph to 70 mph.

Parts of Pennsylvania just got faster

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has upped the speed limit on 396 miles of the Turnpike and 400 miles of certain PennDOT highways.

PennDOT roadways that are being posted with the new limit over the next few days (including current pilot areas) are:

• I-79 from I-90 in Erie County south to a point just north of the PA 228 interchange in Butler County (97 miles)
• I-79 from I-70 in Washington County south to the West Virginia border (33 miles)
• I-80 from the Ohio State border east to a point near mile marker 190 in Clinton County (190 miles)
• I-80 from a point near mile marker 195 in Union County to a point near mile marker 247 in Columbia County (52 miles)
• US 15 from the interchange with PA 14 in Lycoming County north to the New York State border (49 miles)
• I-99 from Exit No. 68 in Centre County south to a point near mile marker 34 in Blair County (34 miles)
• I-99 from Exit No. 28 in Blair County south to mile marker 0 (PA Turnpike) in Bedford County (28 miles)
• I-380 from I-84 in Lackawanna County south to Exit No. 3 in Monroe County (21 miles)

“Motorists should not look at this change as consent to speed; in fact, it’s as vital as ever to drive sensibly, to avoid distractions and to buckle up,” said PA Turnpike Chairman Sean Logan. “And remember, 70 mph — or any posted speed limit for that matter — is the maximum speed; you should drive slower when traffic, weather or road conditions demand it.”