Speed Limit On I-70 Increased To 70 Mph

FREDERICK, Md. (WJZ) -- Maryland drivers can go a little faster now on one of the state's more traveled highways. New signs along Interstate 70 allow drivers to bump up their speed.

Gigi Barnett explains the State Highway Administration says it's the rate drivers were already traveling.

State highway workers say they spent months tracking the speed limit and congestion during all seasons--day and night-on Interstate 70.

Starting this week, Western Maryland drivers can bump up their speed slightly on I-70 from 65 to 70 miles-per-hour.

"It was an easy fit," said Gregory Johnson, State Highway Administrator.

Johnson says his team looked at a slew of factors that supported a higher speed limit.

"What we look at is crash patterns and the speed that the majority of drivers are already driving. Drivers are driving about 71, 72 miles-per-hour," Johnson said.

But is it too fast?

"Seventy? That's fine. It's convenient to go that fast and cars are already going," said driver Key Wagner.

"Gets me there quicker," laughed Rick Hafer.

While the sign says 70, the state says--not so fast. Ultimately, weather will dictate the speed.

"When it says 70 miles-per-hour and it's a driving rain storm, drive for the conditions. Seventy is meant for when it is sunny and dry," Johnson said.

Not all parts of I-70 have a 70 mph speed limit. The speed limit will drop back down to 65 near the Baltimore Beltway and around Frederick, where much of the congestion lies.

Last fall, the state raised the speed limit on Interstate 68 up to 70 miles-per-hour.