Speed limit change won't affect speeds in Phillips County

On Thursday morning, it will be legal to drive faster on most parts of Montana Interstates, but in Phillips County, the speed limit is unchanged.

“The speed limit changes only affect interstates,” said Matt Ladensburg, Maintenance Chief at Havre’s Montana Department of Transportation (MDT). “I-15, I-90 and I-94 are the only interstates in Montana.”

In May, a bill was signed into law that allows speed limit changes from 75 miles per hour (mph) to 80 mph, according to MDT, and the law will become effective on October 1, 2015. MDT also stresses that not all sections of the interstates will increase to 80 mph. Interstates going through cities with a population greater than 50,000 will remain at 65 mph and some areas of interstates have been deemed not suitable for speed limit increases such as mountain passes and canyons.

“It has no effect on Phillips County,” said Ladensburg. “None of the two-lane (highways) or secondary roads will be affected.”

Starting tomorrow, October 1, MDT will install over 350 new speed limit signs throughout the state of Montana. MDT asks drivers to use caution when driving, stay alert, be aware of changing road conditions due to weather and drive at an appropriate speed for conditions.