By Bill Holloway
Missouri DOT is removing 70 variable advisory speed limit signs on I-270 and I-255 mentioned in the October 14th edition of SSTI News. Although a recent report indicated that similar signs have been having a positive effect on congestion in the Minneapolis area despite drivers’ general disregard for the speed limits, MoDOT has decided to remove the signs to lower operating costs and reduce confusion. Between 2008 and 2011 speed limits displayed on the signs had been enforceable but were made advisory after police claimed they were ineffective in increasing compliance. Despite being advisory, most drivers were in favor of removing them. The state will continue to use larger variable message signs, already in place, to alert drivers to congestion and reduced traffic speeds ahead.
Bill Holloway is a Transportation Policy Analyst at SSTI.