PORT ANGELES — The stretch of U.S. Highway 101 between Port Angeles and Sequim is now not only wider but also faster.

The state Department of Transportation raised the speed limit from 45 mph to 55 mph today (Friday) on the 3.5-mile segment.

Drivers have had to keep a light touch on the accelerator while traveling between Shore Road and Kitchen-Dick Road for the last 23 months during the $60.5 million construction project to expand the two-lane segment to four lanes.

The work zone speed limit reduction was enacted as a safety precaution for both drivers and crews, Transportation said.

The four lanes, and twin bridges over McDonald Creek, were opened by Nov. 8.

Now, the highway offers two lanes of travel in each direction for the entire 15-mile stretch between Lincoln Street in Port Angeles and River Road in Sequim.

Some work still remains.

Crews will add a final layer of asphalt and restripe the surface when warm, dry weather returns next spring or summer.

Scarsella Bros. of Kent built the additional lanes beginning January 2013 under a $28 million contract.

The remainder of the state and federal funds used in the project went toward right of way property acquisition, design and environmental review.