60-mph divided highways in NC

Evidently, NCDOT has quietly decided to start signing certain highways with 60-mph speed limits rather than the typical 55 mph. Problem is, no one seems interested in admitting what highways are now signed with the higher limit.

The roads being considered for the higher limit are restricted-access, which means they don't have driveways coming off the sides but do have surface intersections rather than full interchanges. As of right now, the only roads I know of that are signed with the higher limit are NC 11 between Kinston and Winterville and US 17 from Elizabeth City to the Virginia state line. Beyond those, rumor has it that there are up to ten other highways that are eligible for the higher limits, but I haven't seen what they are or if they are signed with the new limits. One road that could have the higher limit, the NC 24/903 bypass of Kenansville in Duplin County, is still signed at 55 as of this past weekend.

Interestingly, freeway limits aren't being touched, even for 55-mph bypasses like the US 70 New Bern bypass and the US 17/NC 24 Jacksonville bypass -- at least, not yet.

So does anyone else know where the higher limits are either in place or planned to be put in?

Comments

Doug said…

I have seen similar arrangements for a 60 mph speed limit in Virginia, particularly along US 29. Can't speak so much for North Carolina, unless I go through my photos and spot a rogue 60 mph speed limit sign.

11:17 PM

Anonymous said…

WV has had 60MPH expressways since the NMSL repeal.

11:21 PM

Anonymous said…

It is now 60 mph on US 17 on the Shallotte bypass .

And 60 mph on US 74 around Laurinburg up to Maxton .

It is about time as much as 90 % of rural NC highways could be safely raised to 65-70 mph without issue . It is just plain stupid to continue to have the 100 % ignored 55 mph unless otherwise posted rule . This outdated law is from the 1940s to be still in effect on NC roads is just silly .

Our roads are safer , our cars are safer it is about time that this is taken into account when setting our posted speed limits across NC .

12:00 AM

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