The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has approved an increase to 75 mph on eight sections of rural interstate highways, covering approximately 325 miles across the state. The changes affect portions of I-29, I-35, I-49, and I-55, although motorists must continue following existing posted speed limits until new signs are installed.
MoDOT announced the decision October 21 following a review authorized by Senate Bill 1408, which Gov. Mike Kehoe signed into law in July. The legislation allows the department to raise speed limits on eligible rural interstates and freeways from 70 to 75 mph.
Where Missouri Speed Limits Will Increase
The approved changes cover eight stretches of highway, with I-55 accounting for four of the affected sections.
Interstate 29
- From Exit 56 in Andrew County to approximately 2.5 miles south of the Iowa border: 64 miles.
Interstate 35
- From the northern Cameron city limit to approximately 4 miles south of the Iowa border: 55 miles.
Interstate 49
- From the Arkansas border to Exit 24: 24 miles.
- From Exit 56 to just south of Exit 101 in Nevada: 45 miles.
Interstate 55
- From the Arkansas border to mile marker 16.6, south of the I-155 interchange: 17 miles.
- From mile marker 19.8, north of the Missouri Route 84 interchange, to mile marker 64.9 at the Route AA bridge: 45 miles.
- From mile marker 70.5, north of the Route HH interchange, to mile marker 86.6, south of the Route PP interchange: 16 miles.
- From mile marker 106.4, north of Exit 105, to mile marker 164.9 at the Jefferson County line: 59 miles.
The department plans to update speed limit signs in the affected areas during the fall. Until those signs are in place, the existing posted limits remain in effect.
Truck Traffic and Crash History Factored Into Decision
MoDOT evaluated each eligible corridor before approving the increases, considering traffic volumes, commercial truck activity, crash history, terrain and roadway design. The review also examined speed limits in neighboring states where eligible highways approach Missouri’s borders.
MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger said the department considered how each roadway is used and whether higher speeds could be accommodated without compromising safety.
The agency plans to continue monitoring crash data after the changes take effect. If safety concerns emerge, the department could lower the speed limit on affected sections back to 70 mph.
Hassinger also cautioned that the new 75 mph limit should not be interpreted as permission to travel at higher speeds, noting that the state’s highways were not designed for traffic moving at 80 mph or more.
For truck drivers traveling these corridors, the announcement does not immediately change the legal speed limit. The higher limits will apply as signage is updated, and motorists must continue observing posted limits and any lower speeds required by applicable vehicle restrictions or road conditions.
Additional details are available through MoDOT’s official announcement
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Last Updated: October 28, 2026
Source: Land Line Media
