why 55MPH on Rt3

[Dave M]

Just curious, why is the speed limit at 55MPH from RT128 to Nashua. This
is the section that added a 3rd lane. Is there some regulation that they keep
the speed limit down for a period of time before changing to what it should be. Of course its probably a money maker for the towns involved.

Dave M

[Kamper]

One of the criteria for speed limits is population density in the vicinity of the highway. My guess is that's the reason.

[LIforrelaxin]

Of course its probably a money maker for the towns involved.


This is a state road, the state benefits from the speeding tickets not the local towns. Now as for what keeps the speed down. There are a few things to consider here. I believe that there are some area where they are still doing some work. Second there are on and off ramps that are not appropriately set up to allow proper merging at these speeds.

I believe the plan, or at least it was awhile ago, is to get the section up to 4 lanes, and the on and off ramps reworked to support the higher speed limits. Like anything however it takes time and money. The just haven't completed all the work yet.