By Nick Gale, WLS-AM 890 News

(SPRINGFIELD, IL) —  Legislation sponsored by State Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard) that raises the effective speed limit for automobiles on Illinois Tollways to a consistent speed of 70 miles per hour was approved in the Illinois House today with wide bipartisan support.

The bill would require a consistent speed limit of 70 m.p.h. on all Illinois tollways, with the exception of I-294, which is due for reconstruction. The bill would also require permission by the General Assembly’s Joint Commission on Administrative Rules to post limits below 70 m.p.h. on those tollways.

The General Assembly took action in 2014 to raise the maximum speed limit on most interstates to 70 m.p.h. However, the administrative officials charged with implementation of the 2014 law decided not to raise the effective limits on many parts of the tollway system, instead choosing to maintain 55-65 m.p.h. limits.

“This bill is almost identical to a bill I passed out of this chamber by a large margin last year,” said Breen. “Unfortunately, that bill stalled in the Senate. Motorists are already driving on these tollways in the range of 70 m.p.h. and there is conclusive data that indicates that consistent speed limits improve safety on our roadways. The provisions of HB 5054 would allow for a steadier and safer flow of traffic within the Illinois tollway system.”

The House vote on HB 5054 was 105-5. If approved in the Senate and signed into law, the provisions of the bill would take effect immediately.

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