Drivers on most of Webster County’s paved roads will be able to legally pick up the pace starting Wednesday, when Iowa’s default speed limit climbs from 55 mph to 60 mph.

The change takes effect July 1 under Senate File 378, a bill the Iowa Legislature passed earlier this year and Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law June 1. It raises the statewide default limit by 5 mph on paved two-lane roads, including many county and state highways that previously carried no separately posted limit.

“Beginning July 1st statewide, the default speed limit will increase from 55 to 60 mph on paved county (and some state) roads,” said Webster County Engineer Jamie Johll. “Unpaved roads are not affected; they are still 55 mph (day) and 50 mph (night).”

The new limit does not apply everywhere. Interstates remain at 70 mph, many divided highways stay at 65, and posted limits in towns, school zones and business districts are unchanged. Drivers should continue to follow whatever the speed limit signs say, because posted limits always take precedence over the default.

Johll said his office has already begun preparing for the switch on local roads.

“We have ordered updated signs and will work on installation over the next month or so,” Johll said. “The higher limit may also necessitate moving ‘Stop Ahead’ signs and adjusting ‘No Passing Zones.'”

As part of that review, Johll said curves across the county were measured with a digital inclinometer to determine whether any would need additional Advisory Speed Limit signs at the higher travel speed.

“None of the curves in Webster County will require additional signing,” he said. “Now more than ever I encourage people to drive safely.”