Speed limits increasing on east Idaho highways

Speed limit increases on three eastern Idaho State Highways will start Monday. The 65 mph signs are being replaced with 70 mph. The highways affected are U.S. 20, Idaho 22 and Idaho 28.

The Idaho Transportation Department collected data that show most drivers on these routes drive between 70 and 80 mph.

The ITD says it thinks setting speed limits to that standard can result in the lowest crash rates. ITD officials talked about the speed limit increases with county officials and law enforcement before making the changes.

Crews will install 70-mph speed limit signs on U.S. 20 between Idaho Falls and Butte City , on Idaho 22 between its junction with Idaho 33 and Dubois , and on Idaho 28 between Mud Lake and Leadore . The increased speed limit is for both vehicle traffic and trucks.

U.S. 20 – between Idaho Falls and Butte City (milepost 252.51 to 301.19)
Idaho 22 – Idaho 33 junction to Dubois (milepost 24.67 to 68.07)
Idaho 28 – between Mud Lake and Leadore (milepost 15.15 to 89.49)

Along with this increase, the transition speed zone on Idaho 28 south of Leadore will be increased from 45 to 55 mph.

Current speed limits, which are the maximum speed motorists can legally travel under ideal roadway and weather conditions, remain in effect until the new signs are installed.