In the heart of Texas, there’s a stretch of road known for its blazing speed limit, setting the record for the highest in the United States.
An extension of Texas State Highway 130 — also known as the Pickle Parkway — boasts a staggering speed limit of 85 miles per hour just north of San Antonio.
A compilation of maximum speeds posted on motorways across the U.S. by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety shows that the Pickle Parkway tops them all. The speed limit of 85 mph also outstrips the Texan highways’ average limit of 75 mph.
The 41-mile stretch of highway where speed enthusiasts can let loose extends from Texas State Highway 45 near Austin to Interstate 10 in Seguin.
The route passes through rural areas and charming towns. One of them is Mustang Ridge, which is home to the Circuit of the Americas where Formula 1 racers and more come to compete.
Another is Lockhart, which claims to be the Barbecue Capital of Texas. Its four BBQ restaurants reel in approximately 5,000 customers each week.
While the default speed limit for highways in Texas is set at 70 mph, the Texas Department of Transportation approved the 85 mph posting on the Pickle Parkway in 2012 in a bid to reduce traffic.
“We look forward to opening this segment of SH 130, which will help reduce congestion for the Austin-San Antonio corridor by providing Texas drivers and others with an alternate route for traveling through our great state,” said TxDOT spokesperson Mark Cross, according to the Texas Tribune.
TxDOT conducted engineering and traffic studies to ensure that it was safe for motorists to travel at these speeds.
“Safety is our top priority and tests have shown the designated speed is a safe one,” explained Cross, according to the Texas Tribune.
As impressive as the 85 mph speed limit might be in Texas, other parts of the world permit even higher speeds.
For instance, speed limits on two major highways in the United Arab Emirates known as the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Highway and the Sheikh Khalifa Highway hover at around 100 mph.
Moreover, the world-renowned German Autobahn is unique for its stretches of highway without any speed limit, allowing motorists to really see what their vehicles can do.
