Quinn Vetoes 70 mph Speed Limit Increase

Bill would have increased speed limit in highways in urban areas

Gov. Pat Quinn has vetoed legislation aimed at increasing the speed limit from 65 to 70 miles per hour on interstate highways around Illinois.

The legislation was sponsored by Republican state Sen. Jim Oberweis. It follows the passage of a 2013 law increasing the speed limit to 70 miles on interstates which the Quinn administration interpreted to only apply to rural areas. Oberweis' bill would have empowered the state Tollway Authority and the Department of Transportation to impose higher limits in urban areas.

Quinn Tuesday cited studies showing increased speeds lengthen stopping distance, and produce more violent collisions.

The governor's action follows the veto of another bill also that would have let large trucks go faster on interstate highways in the Chicago area.
 

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