Speed limit reduced through Champaign on I-74

CHAMPAIGN — The Illinois Department of Transportation announces that the posted speed limit along Interstate 74 from west of I-57 to east of Cunningham Avenue will be reduced from 70 mph to 60 mph beginning Friday, Aug. 31.

IDOT recently completed a speed study on I-74 and I-57 in the Champaign-Urbana area and concluded that given the current prevailing speeds, crash rates and number of interchanges, a reduction of the posted speed limit on I-74 was justified. The study also showed that the current posted speed limit of 70 mph on I-57 is correct.

IDOT routinely reviews all state-maintained routes to determine whether any low-cost safety improvements can be made, including speed limits, striping, signal timing and roadside hazards.

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. 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.