The speed limit on a section of Minnesota 36 in Roseville, Little Canada and North St. Paul has increased, and transportation officials say that should make it a safer stretch to drive on. The segment between I-35W in Roseville and Hilton Trail in Pine Springs previously was a 55 mph zone. It was increased to 60 mph last month after a routine engineering and traffic review conducted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The speed limit was raised not because faster is safer but to keep traffic going at a more uniform rate, which reduces the number of collisions and conflicts between drivers, according to Denise Workcuff, communications and engagement director for MNDOT. MNDOT conducts engineering and traffic investigations every 10 years to ensure that speed limits on major highways remain safe and reasonable based on traffic conditions, according to Workcuff. The agency used data around existing traffic conditions, crash history and road design to determine that the section of Minnesota 36 would benefit from a speed limit increase to cater to current conditions on the road, she said. Related Articles Local News | Trial begins in disputed Minnesota House election where 20 absentee ballots were lost Local News | Ex-Ramsey County jail medical worker who aided murder suspect avoids prison after plea deal Local News | Driver fleeing from law enforcement charged in Maplewood crash that killed man in another car Local News | Caring for the caretakers: Pioneering EMS chaplain retires after years of being a listening ear on ambulances Local News | Minnesota National Guard soldiers return from Middle East deployment