The Texas Transportation Commission has approved 75 mph speed limits for close to 1,500 miles of Texas Interstates.

The speed limit changes span 60 Texas counties making it the largest conversion since a new law was passed last year. The 82nd Texas Legislature passed and the Governor signed House Bill 1353 which allows the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to establish 75 mph speed limits on Texas highways providing speed studies show it can be done safely.

Since September, the agency has been reviewing existing 70 mph speed limits across the state

to determine where a 75 mph limit may be safely posted. Four Central Texas highways were the first to see higher speeds after the new law took effect. Thursday’s Commission action brings the number of miles now zoned at 75 mph as a result of House Bill (HB) 1353 to 1,618.

TxDOT recommended to the Commission that speed limits be raised on segments of I-10, I-20, I-27, I-30, I-35, I-37, I-40, I-44 and I-45.

Caution though, according to the news release, motorists must continue to travel at the posted speed until new signs are installed! The new speed limit is not official until the signs go up.

TxDOT studies of speeds on U.S. highways, state highways, farm-to-market and ranch-to-market roads are still under way, but the new signs will be going up soon on the listed segments.

Go to http://www.txdot.gov/safety/speed_limit/75mph.htm for more information on the locations of the new speed limits.