Snow Delays Installation of New 70 MPH Speed Limit Signs

Since New Year's Day, the speed limit on most Illinois interstate highways is now 70 mph, but bad weather means it may take a while for need speed limit signs to be installed.

IDOT crews were supposed to get started Thursday, but hazardous weather is slowing things down, according to WJOL.

Drivers should obey posted speed limit signs until the new ones are in place.

“IDOT crews will begin to remove the old 65 mph signs and install the new 70 mph signs in the designated areas early January to comply with the new law, but it’s very important that motorists obey the posted speed limits,” Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider said in a press release.

Under the new law, approximately 87 percent of Interstate highways and 98 percent of rural Interstates under IDOT’s jurisdiction will be increased to 70 mph. Approximately 28 percent of the Tollway’s 286-mile system will be increased to 70 mph.

Most of the highways with the new speed limit are outside of the Chicago metro area, but short stretches of I-55 and I-80 southwest of Joliet will get the increase.

For the Illinois Tollway, new 70 mph signs will be installed between Jan. 7 and Jan. 14, 2014, weather permitting, on a 64-mile segment of the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) and on a 15-mile portion of the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90).

• See map of area highways that will have 70 mph speed limits above. See full map of state highways here.