SH 183A speed limit changed to 75 mph

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Speed limits are posted to inform motorists of the speed considered reasonable by a majority of drivers on a particular roadway said The Texas Department of Transportation.

In September 2011, the Legislature approved a change in speed limit on State Highway 183A.

The speed limit was pushed from 70 mph to 75 mph and will be effective Thursday as soon as all the speed limit signs are changed.

The reason for the approval of the speed limit change is because the people that are driving on these roads are peaking out at 75 mph even though the limit is 70 mph officials said.

The nighttime maximum speeds of 65 miles per hour will also be removed; the 75 mph speed limit will apply for day or night.

"The speed at which 85 percent of the people drive at or below actually becomes the speed limit. Drivers themselves set the speed limit," said TxDOT Spokesman John Hurt.

Speed checks are conducted to observe free-flowing speed for vehicles and are tallied. The speed is usually set to the nearest value that 85 percent of motorists are driving at said TxDOT. 

"TxDOT is reviewing existing 70 mph speed limits statewide to determine where a higher limit may be safely posted. We anticipate having all of the speed studies completed by early 2013, so be looking for new 75 mph signs in the near future,” said TxDOT Traffic Operations Division director, Carol Rawson.

TxDOT wants to remind all drivers that observing the speed limit means more than driving at the posted speed.

It means driving to conditions of the environment such as when it is raining or foggy, ice on the road, heavy traffic, or when there is construction, adjust your speed accordingly.