Prince William County, Va. - The speed limit on Interstate 66 could be going up.
A study is under way examining the feasibility of raising the speed limit from 65 to 70 mph on a portion of the highway between U.S. 29 in Gainesville and Prince William Parkway (Va. 234 bypass).
The study will examine the four-mile stretch of road, looking at lane widths, crash history, how well traffic flows in the area compared to other points in the state, and how well current speed limits are enforced there, according to a Virginia Department of Transportation press release.
Similar studies like this are going on across the state in three phases, the first two of which are going on right now, said VDOT spokeswoman Jennifer McCord.
"There is a draft study completed for I-66 between Route 29 and Route 234. VDOT is reviewing and providing comments to the consultant on that shortly. Phase three, which includes Interstate 95 between Route 234 and Dale Boulevard, will begin this fall," said McCord.
That's right, phase three includes Interstate 95 in Prince William County -- the highway that nearly every day has thousands of commuters sitting in stalled traffic -- for the 70 mph speed limit.
If approved, the speed limit would also be raised on the High Occupancy Vehicle lanes between Dumfries and the Pentagon.
So far, only one portion of one highway in Virginia has seen its speed limit go up: I-295, between Peters-burg and I-64 -- an area not known for traffic congestion.
Earlier this year, the General Assembly passed legislation allowing state transportation officials to raise speed limits in the commonwealth. The new law took effect Thursday.
At least a portion of each interstate in Virginia is being considered for a higher speed limit.
It's too soon to know how much it will cost if the proposed higher speeds are implemented state-wide, VDOT stated.
Until the speed limits go up, state police and transportation officials urge drivers to cruise at the posted speeds.
Staff writer Uriah A. Kiser can be reached at 703-530-3905.
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