Crews begin changing speed signs on I-270

[Bleacher Creature]

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/commutingtraffic/story/90BF2B635CC2DABC8625741800546C28?OpenDocument

Crews begin changing speed signs on I-270
By Carolyn Tuft
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
03/26/2008

ST. LOUIS -- Crews began this morning installing new variable speed limit signs along Interstates 255 and 270 in Missouri.

The Missouri Department of Transportation announced today that contracting crews will be working on the shoulder of the highways to install the new digital speed limit signs as part of its plan to vary speed limits on those roads.

About 9 a.m., the first sign was to have gone up on eastbound Interstate 255 in south St. Louis County just before the Telegraph Road overpass. The speed limit of 60 mph will remain in effect until all of the signs have been installed some time in early May, according to a press released issued by the highway department.

The department believes that by changing the speed limits it can help keep traffic flowing during peak congestion times, the release stated.

Variable speed limits are used in Europe and on roads in New Jersey, Tennessee, Delaware and Washington State, the department said.

If the traffic is clogged or traveling slow, the department will lower the speed limit on the new signs. But, when traffic is flowing, the department says it will increase the speed limit.

The variations in speed will fluctuate from 40 mph to 60 mph.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

OK, so if the traffic is jammed, who in the heck can go more than 20 without rear ending the car in front?

This makes absolutely ZERO sense.

[hansolo]

as if anyone will follow the limit

[Blues Fan in TX]

This sounds like an absolutely horrendous idea.

[ElviswasaBluesFan]

so stupid - what a waste of money

[BlueBrained]

Actually I think it is a very good idea but only if people follow the speed limits.

[Bleacher Creature]

When all three lanes are bumper-to-bumper, forty MPH is a pipe dream. I fail to see where this is needed, except for a money grab by local and state governments.

[Jonas]

I've read several articles that really think this is the best way to improve traffic congestion. I'm all for it since 270 is a disaster during rush hour.

[MTV]

I've read several articles that really think this is the best way to improve traffic congestion. I'm all for it since 270 is a disaster during rush hour.

Less cars?
Less accidents?
More lanes?

Oh and you guys have no idea what bad traffic is.

[Guppy]

I've read several articles that really think this is the best way to improve traffic congestion. I'm all for it since 270 is a disaster during rush hour.

270 is fine where I am. It is only some areas where it is bad. My drive to and from work is better since 40 has been shut down and I have heard others say that as well

[kmeyer]

I don't even have to touch 270 unless I am going to band practice or a baseball game....living off of HWY 40 in west St. Chuck County is pretty nice in regards to traffic....

[marco]

Does more than 10% of the population actually pay attention to or adhere to speed limits?

[kmeyer]

Does more than 10% of the population actually pay attention to or adhere to speed limits?

My one piece of traffic advice....adhere to the speed on HWY 141 between HWY 40 and Manchester....they will nail you if you aren't careful.....it's a weekly speed trap I have to deal with when my ass is always running late....

[Bleacher Creature]

IMO, it's not the speeders I'm concerned about. I have more issues with the seniors puttering along at 40, people yakking on phones and weaving in and out of their lanes, the folks who have no idea what a turn signal is for, big rigs who ride my ass while doing 70, to name a few.

[Guppy]

IMO, it's not the speeders I'm concerned about. I have more issues with the seniors puttering along at 40, people yakking on phones and weaving in and out of their lanes, the folks who have no idea what a turn signal is for, big rigs who ride my ass while doing 70, to name a few.

and don't forget those that do not turn on their lights in the rain like today. My short drive (7 miles) probably had around 100 cars or so that did not have their lights on. It is those common sense laws that some people do not understand.

[sketch]

When all three lanes are bumper-to-bumper, forty MPH is a pipe dream. I fail to see where this is needed, except for a money grab by local and state governments.

Indeed. Short your end of the month quota?? Lets bring down the speed limits on 270