Log in to WRAL.com with one click using your favorite social network:
OR
Log in using your WRAL.com account:



Wrong email/password combination.

Forgot password?

Register with WRAL.com using your favorite social network:
OR
Register for a WRAL.com account using our web form.

3:22 a.m. • 6-19-13

Weather Forecast for Raleigh

  • Today: Partly Cloudy.
    • Hi: 85° F
  • Thu: Partly Cloudy.
    • Hi: 85° F
  • Fri: Partly Cloudy.
    • Hi: 85° F

Other Locations

> 7 Day Forecast

Doppler Image

Published: 2013-02-08 10:28:27
Updated: 2013-02-08 10:28:27

Posted: February 8

Speed limit to increase on I-540

More tolls on I-540?
print friendly

Raleigh, N.C. — The state Department of Transportation said Friday that it plans to increase the speed limit on a section of Interstate 540 in Raleigh to 70 mph.

The speed limit will go up between U.S. Highway 70 and U.S. Highway 64/264 in the next week or so as signs are changed, the DOT said. The speed limit on the section of I-540 between Interstate 40 and U.S. 70 will remain 65 mph.

The move was based on a review of current speeds, crash data and road characteristics, such as lane and shoulder widths along I-540, officials said.

Copyright 2013 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

121 Comments


WRAL.com welcomes your comments on this story. All comments are moderated prior to publication based on our posting guidelines. Please review them prior to posting and if your message is not approved.

View Comments VIEW ALL 121 COMMENTS

This story is closed for comments. Comments on WRAL.com news stories are accepted and moderated between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Latest Comments
Thank you, mpheels!! :-)

It’s illegal to drive ABOVE the posted limit in the left lane.

It’s illegal to drive below the posted limit in the left lane.

It’s perfectly legal to go the limit in the left lane.**

**This may enrage a law-breaking driver behind you, who thinks he has some sort of special right to break the law and also force you to change your (legal) driving habits. He’s the type to call the police to arrest someone for stealing his illegal drugs. It’s textbook hypocrisy and trying to reason with this type of person is difficult.
Click to view my profile JustOneGodLessThanU
February 15, 2013 2:27 p.m.
Saw the signs going up yesterday,, 70 MPH
Click to view my profile oleguy
February 13, 2013 5:13 p.m.
Now can somebody do something about the ridiculous 55 mph speed limit on the western end of the Durham Freeway?

If anyone did actually travel 55 mph, they would cause an accident. The limit must be there to make unsuspecting motorists fund the local government (and insurance companies).
Click to view my profile Capt Mercury
February 12, 2013 1:09 p.m.
Wait, I thought the speed limit on 540 was already about 80 ;)
flyguync
February 11, 2013 4:40 p.m.
It is against the law to drive below the posted limit in the left lane. It is also against the law to drive ABOVE the posted limit in the left lane. It is perfectly legal to go the limit in the left lane, though it probably isn't a good idea in traffic or if there is a faster car approaching. As a general rule for myself, I stay in the right lane (or center if there are a lot of people entering/exiting), and only use the left lane to pass a slower vehicle. If I see a vehicle approaching quickly in the left lane and I know I won't complete my passing maneuver before they get there, I just wait and let them pass first.
mpheels
February 11, 2013 4:22 p.m.
View Comments VIEW ALL 121 COMMENTS

Multimedia Spotlight

more