The speed limit has been increased from 55 mph to 65 mph on the highway between Bowling Green and Cadiz. Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear said the decision was made only after studies by highway engineers that showed the road could safely handle faster traffic flows. He said the highway has wide shoulders, a wide median, partially controlled access and a few traffic lights.
The speed limit will remain at 55 mph on a short section near the I-24 interchange at Cadiz and on sections of the road as it passes through Hopkinsville and Russellville.
Kentucky Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock said the state decided to increase the speed limit because the area is a high traffic corridor between I-65 and I-24. The Executive Director of the Logan Economic Alliance for Development, Tom Harned, said the increased speed limit is an advantage on GPS devices and when companies perform mapping calculations and should be an economic boost to Bowling Green, Russellville and Hopkinsville.
Crews will begin installing the new 65 mph signs along the road Wednesday.