Speed limit up to 70 mph on 97 miles of Pa. Turnpike

Pennsylvania’s first 70 mph speed limit is now in place on a 97-mile stretch of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in central and eastern Pennsylvania.

The speed limit on Interstate 76 from the Blue Mountain exit 201 through Morgantown exit 298 rose Tuesday from the standard 65 mph.

The Blue Mountain interchange is near Shippensburg while the Morgantown interchange is south of Reading. Some areas in the 97-mile stretch will be posted at lower speed limits because of curves. The standard for the rest of the 552-mile turnpike system is 65 mph, except for areas with curves and tunnels.

The higher speeds were authorized by last year’s transportation funding law. The PennDOT is planning to announce Wednesday that is changing some of its speed limits.