Utah adds 289 miles of 80 MPH roads

[cactusjack]

The state of Utah is increasing the speed limit to 80 MPH on 289 miles of rural interstate.

The speed limit is increasing on the following roads:

I-15 from Santaquin south to Leeds (north of St. George)

I-15 from Brigham City north to the Idaho state line

I-80 from Tooele west to the Nevada state line

I-84 from I-15 at Tremonton to the Idaho state line

UDOT is currently in the process of posting the new signage.

This may be useful to me when I'm heading to Orofino for the rally next summer.

[Sin City Stan]

Utah actually started the 80 MPH limits a couple years ago in 10-15 mile test segments on I15. Sounds like we passed the test. Although next year on the way to Orofino I plan to shun the Interstates whenever I can and use NV Hwy 93 (AKA The Great Basin Hwy.)

Overall it's a shorter route and only takes about 90 minutes longer.

[cactusjack]

I am going to need to take the interstates getting there to save myself some time. I am not taking all interstate on the way back home, though.

[ringadingh]

I'd love to see that here.

[markclark57]

Most of Arizona its common to go 10 mph over posted. That = 85 in a 75 without getting hassled. Cheeper than changing a bunch of signs too.

[Sin City Stan]

Originally Posted by markclark57

Most of Arizona its common to go 10 mph over posted. That = 85 in a 75 without getting hassled. Cheeper than changing a bunch of signs too.

The defacto speed limits are normally 7-10 mph over. So 80 means 85-90. Sadly, most drivers have never been trained or even have a good concept of how to drive at those speeds. At least the roads affected are pretty much L-O-N-G and straight.

[cactusjack]

I was amazed riding through Texas last year at how many drivers actually drove at the speed limit. That either means they are conscientious drivers or the Texas DPS doesn't cut you any slack. When in Rome...

[Jared]

Ah yes. A few years ago Kris Olsen and I hit a few of the 80mph zones and Kris was stuggling when I actually went 80mph. Lol.

[Sin City Stan]

The first stone is cast.

[Old Bear]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I was amazed riding through Texas last year at how many drivers actually drove at the speed limit. That either means they are conscientious drivers or the Texas DPS doesn't cut you any slack. When in Rome...

It has been known for some time that traffic will generally flow at a maximum "safe" speed, regardless of what is posted. The suggestion is to set the speed limit at the 85th percentile of measured traffic speeds. This results in maximum throughput of traffic, while then allowing LEO to target true unsafe speeders. My experience in Texas was that, at least in my opinion, the posted speeds were pretty good for reasonable limits. YMMV

[BudMan]

Will trucks be allowed to travel at 80 mph?

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by BudMan

Will trucks be allowed to travel at 80 mph?

Yes Dave, as far as I know there are no restrictions on trucks.

[Sin City Stan]

Originally Posted by Old Bear

It has been known for some time that traffic will generally flow at a maximum "safe" speed, regardless of what is posted. The suggestion is to set the speed limit at the 85th percentile of measured traffic speeds. This results in maximum throughput of traffic, while then allowing LEO to target true unsafe speeders. My experience in Texas was that, at least in my opinion, the posted speeds were pretty good for reasonable limits. YMMV

This is essentially what determines speed limits in Illinois. Speed studies are conducted and the limits are set at the 85th percentile.

[Netnorske]

Originally Posted by Sin City Stan

Utah actually started the 80 MPH limits a couple years ago in 10-15 mile test segments on I15. Sounds like we passed the test. Although next year on the way to Orofino I plan to shun the Interstates whenever I can and use NV Hwy 93 (AKA The Great Basin Hwy.)

Overall it's a shorter route and only takes about 90 minutes longer.

Stan,
That is a fun ride (NV 93-the Great Basin Hwy). Charlie and I rode a large stretch of it from Ely south through Pioche on our way to Kanab a couple summers ago. Be forewarned....that is one desolate stretch of roadway...more so than Hwy 50 (billed as America's Loneliest Road), with even less traffic. It runs through some huge ranch country where you will see real cowboys among the cattle....miles from anywhere...but not much else. It's a great run to just kick back and marvel at how the old west must have been. This pic was taken looking south on 93 just before we rolled into Pioche, which is located on the hill in the distance. The whole stretch is just like that.

[Sin City Stan]

Originally Posted by Netnorske

Stan,
That is a fun ride (NV 93-the Great Basin Hwy). Charlie and I rode a large stretch of it from Ely south through Pioche on our way to Kanab a couple summers ago. Be forewarned....that is one desolate stretch of roadway...more so than Hwy 50 (billed as America's Loneliest Road), with even less traffic. It runs through some huge ranch country where you will see real cowboys among the cattle....miles from anywhere...but not much else. It's a great run to just kick back and marvel at how the old west must have been. This pic was taken looking south on 93 just before we rolled into Pioche, which is located on the hill in the distance. The whole stretch is just like that.

Beats the hell out of riding the interstate. Get it up to speed, lock the throttle, lean back and steer with my feet.