Walker Signs Bill That Will Raise Freeway Speed Limits To 70 MPH

Gov. Scott Walker has signed a bill that allows state transportation officials to raise the speed limit to 70 mph on some Wisconsin roads.

Walker signed the measure Wednesday. It passed the Senate and Assembly on voice votes earlier this year.

Under the law, the Department of Transportation can raise the speed limit to 70 mph only on four-lane roads that have entrance and exit ramps. They can’t raise the limit on roads with at-grade access.

DOT spokesman Kim Rudat also cautioned drivers not to hit 70 mph just yet, noting that 470 road signs need to be changed first.

“Until that speed limit sign is changed, whatever that sign states, that’s the current speed limit. When will the signs change? The state is still working on this, and for instance in Brown County we expect to start changing in the middle of June,” said Rudat.

Rudat said the department is studying which roads it will apply the new law to.

Editor’s Note: This article, originally an Associated Press Story, has been updated with reporting from Wisconsin Public Radio.