8/21/2013
Speed limit on segment of U.S. 95 near Lewiston to increase Tuesday
LEWISTON – The speed limit on a half-mile stretch of U.S. 95 near Lewiston will increase to 55 mph when new signs are installed early next week, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
A traffic study indicated a higher speed limit is appropriate near the U.S. 95 on-ramp north of Lewiston. The speed limit will increase when the new signs are installed on Tuesday (Aug. 27).
The increase will help motorists accelerate safely as the highway transitions to two northbound lanes up the Lewiston Hill.
“Motorists tend to gain speed through this section because once they merge with U.S. 95, the speed limit is 65,” explained ITD engineer Jared Hopkins. “This should provide better traffic flow and more consistent travel speeds.“
ITD conducted a traffic engineering study in July and determined the change is warranted based on the 85th percentile – the actual speed at which 85 percent of the traffic already travels. Studies have shown the 85th-percentile speed produces the fewest crashes.
The posted limit is a maximum speed motorists can legally travel under
ideal highway and weather conditions. At times, motorists are required to
travel at speeds lower than the posted limits, such as with icy,
snow-covered or slick roads.
Limits establish a reasonable speed for a particular
road under ideal weather conditions. Limits encourage better traffic
flow by reducing the variances in speed from one vehicle to the next,
enhancing free-flowing movement.
An average of about 5,400 vehicles travel on that segment of U.S. 95 daily.