Drivers can expect to see speed limit increase on Mopac express lanes

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) - Heads up for drivers headed to Mopac: the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority board of directors approved a speed limit increase on express lanes. 

The posted limit is 65 but according to a speed limit study speed radars are catching cars going much faster. CTMRA director of engineering Justin Word said they learned drivers felt more comfortable driving at 70 miles per hour.

"It was time to go in and see if our posted speed matched what people were actually driving,” Word said. "That's the big gain here. People can drive the speed they feel comfortable and get the experience they are looking for from our facility. So we make our customers happy and we create the safest facility we can."

The transportation department also added a minimum speed limit of 55 in hopes of decreasing traffic congestion.

"We are having very good use of the express lane and pricing we are having to price people out of the lane," said Word.

Saul Burgos said he avoids Mopac altogether. 

"It's a mess,” Burgos said. "Sometimes you pay to sit in traffic anyway."

Aaron Snider said he might give Mopac a second chance if traffic runs better.

"A lot of time you get on there and there's people doing 55, 45 so it's kind of frustrating because you are paying to go slower than everyone else, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense," said Snider. "I would try it, it’s worth it, it does save a lot of time."

The speed limit change will cost an estimated $80,000 that will be taken from the Mopac general funds.

The speed limit on Mopac’s express lanes will stay at 65 until signs are posted. The CTRMA plans to have signs up within the next six months.