Expressway authority approves speed limit increase on SR 408

ORLANDO, Fla . — A lot has changed on SR 408 since it was first built in the ’70s, but not the speed limit through downtown Orlando.

That is about change.

On Wednesday the Central Florida Expressway Authority approved a plan that would allow drivers to legally drive faster on SR-408.

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Briand Hutchings with the Expressway Authority says several improvements over the years have allowed for the change.

“We’ve widened the roadway, improved the interchanges, we’ve done the open road tolling so really what you have is the new 408 is very different from when it was originally built,” Hutchings said.

The new speed limit for the 11 mile stretch between Kirkman Road and Chickasaw trail will now increase from 55 to 60 miles an hour.

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A recent study by the expressway authority showed that only 15 percent of drivers actually travel at 55 miles an hour and that many drivers are well above that.

Lt. Kim Montes with the Florida Highway Patrol says contrary to what people may think, slower speeds can actually cause problems.

“You have a certain segment of the population that absolutely does the speed limit and then you have people who are lane surfing, they’re cutting in and out of traffic trying to get ahead of traffic putting other drivers at risk,” Montes said.

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She does warn that troopers and police officers will still be out pulling people over even with the increase.

“We don’t want people to think this is a reason to go 5 miles faster than they’re already going. It’s a way for us to bring everybody closer together.” Montes said

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Officials say the change will not be immediate.

They say the changes will go into effect in the next 90 days while they change signs and notify customers.

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