Motorists using U.S. Highway 69 near Albert Lea and Minnesota Highway 43 from Mabel to Winona will see speed limits raised to 60 mph where the previous posted limit was 55 mph on the two-lane roadway, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The speed limits become official once the new signs are in place. Crews expect to post the signs in the coming weeks, weather permitting.

All of the existing 55- mph zones for the length of Highway 43 from Highway 44 in Mabel to the south side of Winona will be changed to 60 mph. The reduced speed zones through Rushford Village and Rushford will remain unchanged.

For Highway 69, the existing 55 mph zone will be changed to 60 mph from the north side of Emmons to the south side of Albert Lea.

“Recommended speed limit changes come after we study each highway segment, including access points, shoulder width, roadway alignment, assess roadside hazards, crash rates and history and analyze motorist speeds,” said Chad Hanson, traffic engineer for MnDOT District 6 in southeast Minnesota.

The speed limit changes have been occurring over the past few years. In 2014, the Minnesota Legislature directed MnDOT to evaluate its two-lane, two-way 55 mph highways to determine whether speed limits could reasonably and safely be increased on its 55-mph, two-lane segments. The statewide study will end in 2019.

Additional highways in southeastern Minnesota are expected to be posted 60 mph. Not all highway segments will be raised to 60 mph.

Only segments where the criteria are met will be raised to 60 mph. Highways that have been increased to 60 mph include Minnesota Highway 13 north of Interstate 90; Minnesota Highway 30 from New Richland to Chatfield; Minnesota Highway 56 from north of Stanton to the Iowa border; Minnesota Highway 60 west of I-35 to Zumbro Falls; and Minnesota Highway 247 from  U.S. Highway 63 to Plainview.

Motorists might see MnDOT sign crews posting the signs along the highways now or later this season as other roadways become approved for the new 60-mph speed limit, the release stated.

MnDOT urges motorists to always be attentive, drive with caution, slow down in work zones and never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.