Washington County

As of July 1, Senate File 378, signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds, has officially taken effect.

The new law increases the speed limit from 55 mph to 60 mph on most rural, two-lane state highways and paved county roads across Iowa. The change does not apply to gravel or dirt roads.

Not every roadway will see an increase, however. Roads with sharp curves, heavy traffic or other engineering considerations may continue to have a 55 mph speed limit.

In Washington County, speed limits have already been increased on roads including Highway 22, Highway 1, County Road W62 and County Road W38. While most speed limit signs have been replaced, crews are still working to update others.

The Iowa Department of Transportation reminds motorists that if a posted speed limit sign still reads 55 mph, drivers must continue to obey the posted limit until the sign is officially changed, despite the new law.

Washington and Johnson counties will continue replacing speed limit signs as the changes are completed.