June 29, 2005

For more information contact:
Dena Gray-Fisher
dena.grayfisher@dot.iowa.gov
515-239-1922

MAPS DETAIL LOCATIONS WHERE SPEED LIMIT
ON IOWA 'S INTERSTATE SYSTEM WILL NOT BE INCREASED

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Transportation has finalized its review of the state's interstate system and is releasing maps today detailing the areas where the interstate speed limit will not be increased to 70 miles per hour on July 1 because of safety concerns.

On April 19, 2005, Governor Tom Vilsack signed House File 826. The law, which takes effect July 1, 2005, raises the maximum speed limit on Iowa 's rural interstate system from 65 mph to 70 mph, and increases related fines and court costs for violations of the law.

A review of the state's interstate system to determine which locations would not be increased to 70 mph was performed in coordination with the Department of Public Safety, and considered any recommendations received from the local councils of governments, and regional and metropolitan planning organizations. The results of the review were subsequently presented to and approved by Governor Vilsack.

The locations where the speed limit will not be increased include: (1) areas near major urban centers, where operational and safety concerns exist due to high traffic volumes, roadway geometrics, crash rates, closely spaced interchanges, many vehicles entering/exiting the interstate, and an increase in competition for drivers attention; and (2) areas of the interstate within urban areas previously posted at speed limits lower than 65 mph.

Seven high-resolution map images detailing where the interstate speed limit will not be increased to 70 mph, which are located near or within the cities of Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Iowa City, Sioux City, the Quad Cities, and Waterloo-Cedar Rapids, are now available on the DOT's Web site at www.dot.state.ia.us .

Drivers are cautioned to travel at or below the maximum posted speed limit, as conditions warrant, regardless of the roadway on which they are traveling.

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