Drivers traveling on State Route 24 in the Southeast Valley will now see a higher speed limit. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has increased the posted speed limit from 45 mph to 55 mph along a five-mile stretch of the roadway.

The change applies to SR 24 between Ellsworth Road and Ironwood Drive. ADOT crews installed the new speed limit signs Thursday night following a formal speed study of the area.

According to ADOT, one of the main goals of setting speed limits is to help most drivers travel at similar speeds. When traffic moves more consistently, it can improve safety for everyone on the road.

SR 24 currently operates as a divided four-lane interim roadway. This section opened in 2022 and serves as a key east-west route for the growing Southeast Valley, including San Tan Valley and surrounding communities.

Looking ahead, SR 24 is scheduled for a major upgrade. A project to expand the road into a six-lane, access-controlled urban freeway is planned to begin in 2027. The improvement is part of the Maricopa Association of Governments' Regional Transportation Plan for the metro Phoenix area and will be funded in part by Proposition 479, a half-cent sales tax approved by Maricopa County voters in 2024.

Drivers are encouraged to watch for the new signage and adjust their speed accordingly.

More information about how ADOT evaluates and sets speed limits can be found on the ADOT website.