Illinois Senate approves effort to end split speed limit

[Bullwinkle]

For the third time in recent years, legislation making its way through the Illinois statehouse would bring an end to split speed limits in the state.

The Senate voted 45-10 in late March in favor of the latest attempt to eliminate the provision in state law that set up slower speed limits on rural interstates for vehicles weighing more than 8,000 pounds. Currently, those vehicles are required to travel 10 mph below the 65 mph speed limit for other vehicles.

The bill – SB540 – would allow the Illinois Department of Transportation to increase large truck speeds to as much as 65 mph. It now heads to the House for further consideration.
Rep. Robert Flider, D-Decatur, the bill’s House sponsor, made it clear that even if the bill is signed into law it doesn’t guarantee elimination of the speed gap.

“The bill allows the state to consider authorizing uniform speeds. It wouldn’t mandate a change, but just to consider it,” Flider told Land Line.