Trucking news and briefs for Friday, March 1, 2024:
Beginning Monday, March 4, drivers traveling I-81 in Northeast Tennessee will no longer see a split speed limit for cars and trucks.
Recent "spot speed studies, crash analyses and the continuity of speed zones" led the the Tennessee Department of Transportation's decision, as noted below, to modify the limits between the Washington County line and the Virginia state line.
Instead of the current speed limits of 65 mph for cars and 55 mph for trucks, the new speed limit will be 70 mph for all vehicles.
This study was conducted as a result of comments received from the general public, as well as TDOT partners in law enforcement and local municipalities. The speed limit change is being made in the interest of the motoring safety of the public, TDOT noted.
Crews will be replacing signage next week along this corridor, depending on weather. Motorists should use extreme caution in this area, TDOT said.
[Related: Speed-limiter mandate: Owner-operator call out FMCSA's misplaced priorities]
