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The routes YOU drive that could see a speed limit boost

A possible increase in how fast you can drive on your daily commute is waiting action from the Governor, but any change is not likely to happen soon.

The bill just passed by Florida lawmakers lets the Florida Department of Transportation determine which highways should see a five mile per hour boost.  It would allow maximum speed limits of 75 mph on limited-access highways and 70 mph on other four-lane, divided highways not in urban areas.

If the Governor signs it, that’s when FDOT spokeswoman Gina Busscher tells me they would start surveying all the roads.

“We don’t have enough personnel or manpower in our offices to do these studies,” she says.

Because a lot of the survey work would have to be contracted, it would require some time to complete. When you add in the number of roads to be studied and the time also needed to notify area law enforcement of changes and alter signs, Busscher says nothing drastic will happen overnight.

The results of the survey will also likely mean some of the major roads you drive will not be affected.

“The intent was to take some of the rural interstates,” Busscher says.

In Northeast Florida, Busscher believes rural Baker County or I-95 in northern Nassau or south of CR 210 are some of the most likely routes for a speed boost. Busscher says just because they may allow the boost, however, does not mean drivers need meet it.

“Just because it is the maximum doesn’t mean you have to drive that if you don’t feel comfortable,” she says.

The cost of the studies and sign changes would fall under the FDOT budget.

There’s no word yet on when Governor Rick Scott will make a decision on the bill.

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