STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. – A 17-mile stretch of Interstate 95 in Stafford County could become one of the fastest highways in the state.
A new study is underway examining the possibility of raising the speed limit from 65 to 70 mph between U.S. 17 in Falmouth to Joplin Road, just north of the Stafford County line in Triangle.
The study is underway but there is no preliminary information about when it could be complete or how much it is going to cost, said Virginia Department of Transportation spokeswoman Tina Bundy.
A new law went into effect July 1 that allows transportation officials and elected leaders across the state to raise speed limits on interstate highways to 70 mph. A portion of I-295, from Petersburg to I-64, is currently the only highway in Virginia to have its speed-limit increased.
The study is being completed in three phases – the first two of which are underway right now, said Bundy.
Among other highways, the third phase will include I-95 and 395’s High Occupancy Vehicles. If approved, the speed on those commuter lanes would also be increased from 65 to 70 mph, from Dumfries to the Pentagon.
The studies come as the number of fatal car crashes fell in Virginia over the Fourth of July weekend as compared to last year.
Of the 743 crashes that were reported between July 2 and Monday, five people were killed. Last year, nine motorists lost their lives in traffic crashes across the state.
“While it is encouraging to see a drop in traffic fatalities, the numbers shouldn’t be a reason for drivers and passengers to let their guard down when they are behind the wheel,” said Virginia State Police Colonel W. Steven Flaherty. “In fact, it is just as important as ever to urge motorists to make safe choices while driving: to buckle up and take their time when traveling to and from their destination.”
One of the five fatal crashes took place in Fairfax County, and of the five people killed over the weekend, three were not wearing a seat belt and one was a motorcyclist who was wearing a helmet, police said.
Alcohol was a factor in one of the crashes.
*Photo: aaroads.com
