The maximum speed of travel along the Maine Turnpike is increasing by five mph in many locations, the Maine Turnpike Authority has announced. 

The current speed limit is moving from 65 mph to 70 mph, effective Monday. While much of Interstate 95 along the Turnpike will become 70 mph, there are exceptions:

• South of mile 2.1 on I-95 in Kittery, the maximum speed will remain at 65 mph,

• Through Greater Portland, north of mile 44.1 in Scarborough and south of mile 52.3 in Falmouth the maximum speed will go from 55 mph to 60 mph,

• On the Falmouth Spur, the maximum speed will move from 50 mph to 60 mph. 

“With the improvements that have made Maine’s interstates safer, such as added guardrails in the median and clearing along the highway, it makes sense to raise the speed limit to the rate of which most people are already traveling, if it is safe to do so,” said Executive Director Peter Mills.

Turnpike maintenance crews have began changing signage along the roadway on Monday morning. There are approximately 100 signs to be replaced.

The move follows a decision in May increasing the maximum speed limit along other routes in Maine, following legislation that was signed into law last year.