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New speed limits for Texas highways go into effect Thursday
Posted: 08.30.2011 at 6:51 PM
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A new state law that takes effect this week will change the way you drive across Texas, and not everyone is happy about it.

In just two days, slower nighttime speed limits will be a thing of the past.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is gearing up to pull down signs with posted night speed limits and drivers are gearing up to drive just a little faster.

Texas is one of the only states to still have lower nighttime speed limits, but a new law will change that.

"Come Sept. 1st those signs will be removed in an orderly fashion," said TxDOT's Jesus Leal.

With the current daytime speed limit on highways going from 60 to 75 miles per hour, TxDOT is working to remove around 250 nightime speed limit signs in the area.

"Everything from Cameron, Willacy, Kennedy, Hidalgo, Brooks, Jim Hogg, Starr and Zapata," said Leal.

They've contracted the work out in order to cover the whole area, and until they've taken the signs down, they don't expect drivers to be familiar with the change.

"We have had conversations with DPS, and we basically asked them to try to restrain themselves as to the reinforcement of those. we will try to remove them as soon as we can through that contract and once their removed then obviously they won't be in effect," said Leal.

But not everyone agrees with the increase in nighttime speed.

Mirena Ramirez said it makes her a little nervous.

"I like the way it is right now" she said.

Ramirez adds the safety of her little girl is her priority and feels a higher nighttime speed limit could put her family and other lives at risk.

"Any time you have to be careful you know, but especially when you have kids," she said.

The law will also allow the state to increase speed limits.

"The 75 is allowed, but you have to do a study before that," said Leal.

TXDOT said they will start a study in October to determine whether the interstates can be increased to 75 miles per hour.

After that study is concluded, TxDOT will move on to study U.S. routes, state highways and farm roads.

Another law could raise some speed limits to 85 miles per hour in Texas, but that limit is directed to more rural areas.

TxDOT said the Rio Grande Valley more than likely will not see that speed limit.

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