Missouri to Raise Speed Limits to 75 mph on Four Interstates

Missouri is set to raise speed limits to 75 mph on designated sections of four interstates, including I-29, I-35, I-49, and I-55, by the end of the year. The affected corridors carry significant freight traffic, and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is warning truckers that the 5 mph increase can add 90 feet to stopping distances. MoDOT will install new signs, monitor roadway safety, and adjust limits if needed after the changes take effect. The move to increase speeds is the result of state legislation sponsored by state Sen. Jamie Burger, which aims to reduce travel times and alleviate traffic bottlenecks. The new speed limits will apply to sections of the four north-south interstates, with daily truck volume ranging from 2,230 to 4,932 northbound and 1,803 to 4,823 southbound. MoDOT is urging truckers to remain ultra-aware in areas where speed limits are increasing and to allow for bigger gaps when changing lanes and leaving additional room for longer stopping distances.