Media note:  MoDOT will have someone available to discuss variable speed limits this evening during rush traffic.  Please contact Andrew Gates at 314-340-4161 before 4 p.m. to arrange for interview times.

     ST. LOUIS - Rainy weather impacted travel speeds along Interstate 270 during the first morning the Missouri Department of Transportation implemented variable speeds along the interstate. 

"We eased out of the gate on the first morning of using variable speed limits," said Tom Blair, assistant district engineer for St. Louis. "This was our first opportunity to review our procedures, and the motorist's first opportunity to see variable speeds in action. As we become more comfortable with when to make decisions, and drivers become more used to seeing the speed limits change, we will get more aggressive with our speed limit changes. As MoDOT and drivers become more comfortable with the process, we will see improved travel times and fewer crashes."

The first change this morning occurred about 6:30 a.m. due to building volume on northbound I-270 approaching I-44. The speed limits between Route 21 and I-44 were changed to 55 mph. Ten minutes later, the limit was dropped to 50 mph. At 7:30, speed limits dropped to 45 mph, and then dropped to 40 at 7:48 a.m. They were raised to 55 mph at 8:50 as congestion eased, and to 60 mph by 9 a.m.

 Southbound I-270 limits dropped to 55 mph between Dorsett Road and Olive Boulevard at 7:35 due to growing congestion and then changed to 50 mph at 7:44 a.m.  Southbound I-270 limits were not returned to normal until 9:26 due to an incident on the shoulder at Page Avenue, which prolonged delays.

Commuters around St. Louis can check for the latest information on variable speeds on I-270 by using a new website at www.stlspeedlimit.com.

###