Drivers traveling on Interstate 74 near Peoria will notice that the speed limit now remains 55 mph for about a mile longer.
A speed limit interchange, one which dictates a change from 55 mph to 70 mph, on I-74 near the Pinecrest Drive interchange, has been moved one mile east, thus meaning there is a longer distance of interstate where the speed limit is 55 mph on I-74 between Peoria and Morton.
The Illinois Department of Transportation told the Journal Star said this change was made because crash data showed a “disproportionate” number of accidents taking place due to wet pavement along the curve traveling westbound.
The speed limit sign signaling a shift to 70 mph had previously been located on the curve. It is now about a mile farther east near the Pinecrest interchange.
“By moving the 55 MPH speed limit one mile east, motorists will have more time to slow down prior to the curve. We are also evaluating additional potential improvements to reduce crashes in this area,” IDOT said in a statement.
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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Why the speed limit on I-74 near Peoria has changed
