JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Transportation has identified eight rural interstate segments where speed limits can increase from 70 mph to 75 mph under a new state law.

The affected corridors include portions of Interstates 29 and 35 in northern Missouri, Interstate 49 in the southwest and Interstate 55 in southeast Missouri. MoDOT says its engineering review considered crash history, traffic volumes, road geometry, heavy vehicles and ongoing construction.

Transportation officials expect more than 150 new speed signs to be installed during the fall and by year's end, with advisory warnings for some curves. Drivers must keep following the posted limits until the replacement signs are installed.

MoDOT says it will monitor safety as the changes take effect. The newly designated segments do not include all Missouri interstate miles, nor do they establish a statewide 75 mph speed limit.