Drivers take note: 70 m.p.h. speed limit added to several new routes in southeast Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE -- A few more stretches of Wisconsin roadway are seeing their speed limits increase this week. This comes after some roads were already raised to 70 miles per hour over the summer.

On Monday, November 2nd, crews started posting the signs for two sections in southeast Wisconsin.

"One along U-S highway 45 from the I-41 split up to County D in Washington County and as well as U.S. Highway 12 from Highway 67 to County H," said Dan Sellers of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Another section, Highway 16 from County P to I-94, will be added within the next couple of weeks as construction work in the area wraps up.

You will remember that some roads made the switch to 70 m.p.h. earlier this year. These latest postings are part of phase two of the project.

"So the first phase took place this June, this summer, includes all freeway segments besides urban areas. And the second phase consists of rural, non-interstate segments," said Sellers.

Sellers tells FOX6 News officials are continuing to evaluate some roadways. So there may or may not be a third phase of roads affected later on.

Dan Sellers

"We still have to look into some other roadway segments, see if things qualify. But primarily not in the Milwaukee area, other regions of the state," said Sellers.

Even if you're on a road that is set to see a speed limit increase in the coming weeks, Sellers said that does not mean you should start driving at that speed right away.

"If the new signs are not up, you shouldn't be driving 70 miles per hour. Stick to the signs that are posted. If it's 65, it's 65. Until 70, it's 65," said Sellers.

As always the posted speeds are for ideal driving conditions and motorists are reminded to drive at speeds appropriate for the conditions they are driving. They are also encouraged to move over and slow down for crews that may be installing the new speed limit signs.