Speed limits to increase on some roads Sunday

September 28, 2013 at 12:00a.m.

COLUMBUS

Drivers will enjoy higher speed limits on more Ohio highways starting next week, thanks to language tucked into the state’s biennial budget earlier this year.

Among other roads, parts of state Route 11 in Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties are increasing to 70 mph.

The Ohio Department of Transportation announced the changes Friday, boosting limits on more than 600 miles of state roads. Additionally, speeds will become uniform for all vehicles, meaning no more split limits for cars and trucks.

The move follows an increase in interstate speeds implemented earlier this year and affects state highways and routes that were not covered at that time.

According to ODOT, speed limits on 194 miles of rural divided highway will increase to 60 mph from 55.

Fifteen miles of rural expressway will jump to 65 mph from 60. And nearly 400 miles of rural freeway will increase to 70 mph from 65.

The higher speeds take effect Sunday. About 1,100 new or edited speed- limit signs, costing nearly $115,000, will be installed along the affected routes in coming days.

“Raising speed limits is not something the state takes lightly,” ODOT Director Jerry Wray said in a released statement. “We put much time and consideration into identifying roadways where speed limits could increase while maintaining a safe commute for Ohio motorists.”

Maps of all of the changes are posted online at www.dot.state.oh.us.