WSAZ | Ohio | News

U.S. 52 in Southern Ohio Gets Speed Boost

LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) -- Thousands of people who drive
a stretch of U.S. 52 in southern Ohio may notice their commute has gotten
a bit faster.

The speed limit in certain stretches has gotten a 5 mph boost.

"The speed limit on the highway is a lot better," said Ryan Barnhardt, who's from Coal Grove, Ohio. "This should have happened a long time ago."

The speed limit has gone from 55 mph to 60 mph between Haverhill, Ohio Furnace Road to just east of State Route 243.

If you don't live around there, it's the stretch that's west of the twin bridges into Ashland, Ky.

"Most people will always push the envelope," said Lt. Barry Call with the Ohio Highway State Patrol. "You give someone an extra 5 mph and they'll take advantage. That's just human nature."

The Lawrence County detachment of the Ohio Highway State Patrol has averaged more than 40 traffic stops a day during the last two months.
Lt. Call says the speed boost is not an invitation to continue speeding.

"The extra 5 mile an hour, don't abuse it, appreciate it and drive safely so you can get you, your family, and friends to where ever you're going," Call said.

In Scioto County, U.S. 52, where it was 65 mph between Haverhill, Ohio Furnace Road and Route 140 is now 70 mph.

The Ohio Highway Department classifies that stretch as rural highway.

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