Caltrans Sets Temporary Reduction in 101 Speed Limit Through Novato

From Nov. 30 through the completion of the Highway 101 widening project, the speed limit will be reduced from 65 mph to 55 within the construction area in Novato, Caltrans announced Tuesday.

The boundaries of the reduced speed limit extend from just south of Highway 37 to a point just north of Atherton Avenue/San Marin Drive in Novato.

The reduction is being implemented as a safety enhancement feature because of the reduced width of the lanes and the rapidly approaching winter weather, Caltrans said. The lower speeds will be in effect until the project is finished in the late summer of 2012, according to Caltrans spokesman Steve Williams.

Signs will be posted and the California Highway Patrol will enforce the new limit. Speeding fines are doubled in construction zones.

The $50 million project to extend carpool lanes through Novato broke ground in mid-July, and it is expected to reduce driver frustration, vehicle congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.