RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Luefras Robinson 757-925-1516 l.robinson@VDOT.Virginia.gov Bryan Moore 757-925-1515

HRO-0635 June 29, 2006

SPEED LIMIT INCREASING TO 60 MPH ON PORTIONS OF ROUTE 58

SPEED LIMIT INCREASING TO 60 MPH ON PORTIONS OF ROUTE 58
Speed study determines that the motorist speeds dictate need for change

SUFFOLK –Motorists are already doing it and then some, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) studies confirm. But today it’s official: the speed limit will increase from 55 mph to 60 mph beginning at Bowers Hill in Suffolk to Emporia on Route 58.

VDOT engineers have conducted a field investigation on the stretch and found that speedometers are reading at least 60 to 65 mph for most drivers. The federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), which governs highways across the country, reads that speed limit postings should be “within 5 mph of the 85th percentile speed of free flowing traffic.”

VDOT was required to petition the General Assembly to approve the speed limit increase, which takes effect today. Installation of the new speed limit signs will be completed by Friday, June 30. State transportation officials believe raising the speed limit from 55 mph to 60 mph is a move in the right direction.

“This speed limit increase simply reflects the speeds traveled by the majority of motorists that utilize Route 58,” said Mike Corwin, VDOT-Hampton Roads District Traffic Engineer. “This will enhance the traffic flow on this primary artery, and in turn create a safer traveling environment.”

The speed limit increase affects approximately 56 miles from Suffolk to two-tenths of a mile of 58 Business in Emporia. The segments of Route 58 that will be increased are:
· From Bowers Hill in Chesapeake to the Suffolk Bypass
· From Route 643 (Manning Bridge Road) in Suffolk to the intersection of Route 58 Business (Camp Parkway) in Franklin
· From Route 742 (Old Bridge Road) in Southampton County to just east of Route 58 Business (Market Drive) in the City of Emporia.

Route 58/Business in Franklin to Route 58/Business in Courtland will not see a speed limit increase due to ongoing development in the area.