Differentiated rural speed limits: can this be done safely?

The paper presents the methodology and findings of a project carried out by the Danish RoadDirectorate and COWI aimed at identifying sections where the speed limit could be increasedfrom 80 km/h to 90 km/h without jeopardising road safety, requiring only minor and inexpensive measures. The paper describes how to systematically assess the rural road network when the speed limit is to be increased. The project identified a number of road sections which were appropriate for higher speed limits. A number of measures were identified which must be taken into consideration to ensure that the sections are as safe as before the speed limit was increased, together with the associated costs. Finally the consequences of the changed speed limits were assessed. The project identified stretches of road which have the potential for higher speed limits. However, there are certain costs of implementing measures to avoid the reduction of road safety.