The Tennessee Department of Transportation has changed speed limits for trucks and cars on a large stretch of Interstate 26.
The changes began on Monday, July 31st, and crews will be working to take down and put up signs until Wednesday, August 2nd in Washington, Sullivan, and Carter counties in Tennessee.
According to WCYB News, wrecks along this stretch of highway are frequent and there have been at least 3 fatal crashes in the last 2 years.
“The reasoning behind the speed limit changes is, first and foremost, the safety of the motoring public in Upper East,” said the Tennessee Department of Transportation Community Relations Officer Mark Nagi.
The speed limit along the highway in these counties used to range from 55 mph to 70 mph, but will now feature two separate limits, depending on the type of vehicle. Regular motorists will be restricted to speeds between 60 and 65 mph and drivers of semi trucks and other commercial vehicles will be restricted to speeds of 55 mph.
The TDOT believes the lowering of the speed limits will improve safety on I-26.
“Most people around here don’t pay attention to the speed limit anyway,” said Benjamin Webb, a Washington County man who drives on I-26 every day and who doesn’t believe the new speed limits will make a difference.
“They [drivers] just kind of stick with the flow of traffic,” continued Webb.
“Please use extra caution when you are on Interstate 26 this week because crews will be present in Sullivan, Washington, and Carter counties,” urges Nagi.