Speed limit drops 10 mph on I-74 in Champaign-Urbana area

Travelers driving on Interstate 74 better pay attention to the speed limit signs. Speed limit reductions have been in place on portions of the interstate since the end of August.

The Illinois Department of Transportation cited a recently completed speed study on I-74 and I-57 in the Champaign-Urbana area that revealed prevailing speeds, crash rates and number of interchanges. Those stats justified the speed limit reduction from 70 mph to 60 mph on I-74. However, the study also suggested that the 70 mph speeds on I-57 are fine.

“Speed is a significant factor in the severity of every crash, and the interaction between higher-speed through traffic on an interstate with lower-speed traffic entering or exiting at interchanges was shown to be an issue,” IDOT said in a statement. “Reducing the speed limit of through traffic to closer to that of traffic from interchanges gives drivers more time to react, thereby reducing the severity of a crash or avoiding one altogether.” LL