Speed limits increased on portions of Hwys 13 and 60
Motorists using Highway 13 north of Albert Lea and Highway 60 from Waterville to Kenyon will see speed limits raised to 60 mph where the previous posted limit was 55 mph on the two-lane roadways, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
The speed limits become official once the new signs are in place. Motorists are expected to see the Highway 13 signs posted first, followed by the Highway 60 signs from Waterville to the east. Installation is taking place now and continuing in December until it’s completed.
“A properly selected speed limit can increase the safety of the roadway by reducing the variation in actual vehicle operating speeds, and by setting realistic driver expectations for motorists trying to cross or enter a roadway,” said Michael Schweyen, transportation engineer for MnDOT District 6, an 11-county region in southeast Minnesota.
Highway 60 from Kenyon to Zumbro Falls will have 60 mph signs installed in the near future. Additional highways in southeastern Minnesota are expected to be posted 60 mph, including Highways 30 and 56, with more highways to be evaluated in the coming years. Not all highway segments will be raised to 60 mph. Only those segments where the applicable criteria are met will be raised to 60 mph.
In 2014, the Minnesota Legislature directed MnDOT to evaluate its two-lane, two-way 55 mph highways to determine whether speed limits could be reasonably and safely increased on its 55 mph, two-lane segments. The statewide study will end in 2019.
MnDOT’s study of each highway segment included: access points, shoulder width, roadway alignment, assessment of roadside hazards, crash rates and history, and an analysis of motorist speeds.
Motorists might see MnDOT sign crews posting the signs along the highways now or later this season as other roadways become approved for the new 60 mph speed limit.
MnDOT urges motorists to always be attentive, drive with caution, slow down in work zones and never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
