MODOT raises speed limit on portion of US Route 50/63 in Jefferson City

The Missouri Department of Transportation will raise the speed limit on Thursday from 40 mph to 55 mph on a half-mile section of eastbound U.S. Route 50/63 between the Jackson Street and Chestnut Street bridges.

The changing of speed limits will affect the Lafayette Street interchange.

MODOT said the speed limit will only be increased in the eastbound direction because motorists traveling westbound are approaching a traffic signal.

MODOT said the improved traffic flow, low traffic crash rate and a traffic study showing that 95 percent of cars were already traveling over the posted speed limit were just some of the reasons that the speed limit will change.