Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed a new speed limit bill into law on April 1. The bill, sponsored by Rep. DeAnn Vaught (R-4th District), allows for increased speed limits — 75 miles per hour on freeways and 65 on other highways for cars. The maximum speed limit would remain 30 mph on highways in urban districts.
After traffic and engineering studies are conducted by the highway department, the Highway Commission will be able to make the changes to the current speed limits.
“Basically what the bill does is authorize the highway department to study raising the speed limit throughout the state,” Danny Straessle, spokesman for the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department said. “That doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.”
The State Highway and Transportation Department plans to take its time with the study and find the areas in the state where the change would be appropriate.
The stretch of I-49 from Alma to Fayetteville would be a good candidate for a speed limit increase as that area is primarily rural interstate, according to the department.
