Speed limits in D.C. set to increase as soon as next week

Mark Segraves, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – Drivers in the District will soon be able to step on the gas when D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray raises the speed limits on Benning Road and Interstate 295.

The speed limit for Benning Road NE from Oklahoma Avenue to I-295 will increase to 35 mph. I-295 within the District from Eastern Avenue to Blue Plains will increase to 50 mph.

Gray says that the new speeds “are consistent with safety” and that drivers should still expect speed cameras.

The change could go into effect as soon as next week, and is just the first phase in a series of speed limit increases, Gray says.

“We’ve had this study that is ongoing and thorough,” he says. “There certainly could be more changes.”

Gray will implement the new speed limits through emergency rule. Because the city is not raising them above 55 mph, the move will not require federal approval.

Follow @SegravesWTOP and @WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up