Speed Limit Along Wilson Bridge Corridor Returns To 55mph

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) -- The maximum speed limit of 55 miles per hour is being restored along the Woodrow Wilson Bridge corridor between Maryland and Virginia as most of the long construction project is now complete.

Speed limits were reduced in 2005 as construction was under way. Some construction continues at the Telegraph Road interchange but is not expected to affect the Capital Beltway itself.

Since July 2008, the Virginia Department of Transportation has been using a high-tech traffic system to implement variable speed limits. It uses road sensors to help control traffic flow.

That pilot program was expanded to full-time use in May and will continue as speed limits return to 55 miles per hour.

The variable speed limits are slated to end in 2010.