New 70 mph signs to be posted in Pa.

Staff report

MERCER, Pa.

Motorists will legally be able to drive 70 mph on long stretches of Interstates 79 and 80 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike beginning this week, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and turnpike announced Monday.

PennDOT roadways being posted with the new speed limit over the next few days include a 97-mile stretch of Interstate 79 from Interstate 90 in Erie County to a point just north of the state Route 228 interchange in Butler County, and a 190-mile stretch of Interstate 80 from the Ohio line to Clinton County.

In many cases, 65 mph signs will be replaced with 70 mph signs.

“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 Sean Logan, turnpike chairman.

“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,” he added.

Turnpike travelers will encounter a higher speed limit on virtually the entire toll highway.

“After we convert the remaining segments of our system, we will have 493 miles posted at 70 mph,” said Mark Compton, turnpike chief executive officer.

“As a result, turnpike motorists will see a 70-mph speed limit on almost 90 percent of our 552-mile system,” he added.