Speed limits raised to 60 MPH on most portions of Highway 61
Nov 20, 2019 09:56AM ● By Editor
Photo: Bemidji Pioneer
From Boreal Community Media - November 20, 2019
Following up on announcements made earlier in 2019, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has raised the speed limit from 55 to 60 miles per hour on rural highways across the state of Minnesota, including Highway 61 from Silver Bay to Schroeder and from Tofte to the Canadian Border.
The changed signs began appearing along the route within the last week.
According to MN DOT, over the past five years,, it has studied 7,000 miles of rural, two-lane highways and decided to raise the speed limit on 5,240 miles of the segments studied. Te $1.2 million study was ordered by the Minnesota Legislature and represents the largest system wide change in Minnesota speed limits since 1974.
In making the announcement, Nathan Drews, engineering specialist for MN DOT said, "This is a desirable outcome, but this change is very slight and may not affect the frequency or severity of crashes."
Stretches of Highway 61 which remain with 55 mile speed limits include from Two Harbors to Beaver Bay and from Schroeder to Tofte.
From Boreal Community Media - November 20, 2019
Following up on announcements made earlier in 2019, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has raised the speed limit from 55 to 60 miles per hour on rural highways across the state of Minnesota, including Highway 61 from Silver Bay to Schroeder and from Tofte to the Canadian Border.
The changed signs began appearing along the route within the last week.
According to MN DOT, over the past five years,, it has studied 7,000 miles of rural, two-lane highways and decided to raise the speed limit on 5,240 miles of the segments studied. Te $1.2 million study was ordered by the Minnesota Legislature and represents the largest system wide change in Minnesota speed limits since 1974.
In making the announcement, Nathan Drews, engineering specialist for MN DOT said, "This is a desirable outcome, but this change is very slight and may not affect the frequency or severity of crashes."
Stretches of Highway 61 which remain with 55 mile speed limits include from Two Harbors to Beaver Bay and from Schroeder to Tofte.
