Loop 1604 speed limits to change June 25

TxDOT engineer Brad Adame inspects portable signs with the variable speed limit signs, ready to be installed along Loop 1604 in San Antonio. TxDOT engineer Brad Adame inspects portable signs with the variable speed limit signs, ready to be installed along Loop 1604 in San Antonio. Photo: Courtesy TxDOT Photo: Courtesy TxDOT Image 1 of / 38 Caption Close Loop 1604 speed limits to change June 25 1 / 38 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO — Drivers, stay alert and prepare to slow down: starting next week, speed limits will be intermittently lowered and raised on westbound Loop 1604, between U.S. 281 and Interstate 10, as part of a state testing program.

The change begins June 25 and will last at least three months, according to a news release from the Texas Department of Transportation.

The varying speed limits, which will depend on how fast traffic is moving, will be posted on portable electronic signs along the westbound lanes. The speeds will change gradually in 5 mph increments. The idea is to start lowering speed limits before congestion starts.

The speed limit could remain as high as 70 mph — the current speed limit — or go as low as 30 mph if there's a lot of slowed traffic on the road, said Josh Donat, TxDOT San Antonio spokesman. The change will only affect traffic on the westbound lanes.

Drivers can be ticketed if they are caught violating the speed limits posted on the electronic signs.

TxDOT is testing the electronic variable speed limit system that changes speeds depending on road conditions, taking into account factors like congestion, construction and weather.

TxDOT is also testing the program on Interstate 35 in Temple because it's an active construction zone, and on Interstate 20 in Eastland County, between Abilene and Fort Worth, because the corridor is on a hill that's known to experience traffic problems when it is rainy or icy, Donat said.

He said Loop 1604 was chosen to represent a metropolitan highway in the state.

Ultimately, the Texas Transportation Commission and the state Legislature would have to decide to adopt the variable speed system, Donat said. Other states have it.

vdavila@express-news.net

Twitter: @viannadavila