Governor Pat Quinn this week vetoed legislation aimed at increasing the speed limit to 70 miles-an-hour on suburban interstates. The move follows passage of a 2013 law increasing the limit on interstates in rural areas. In taking action on the latest bill, Quinn cited studies showing increased speeds lengthen stopping distance and produce more violent collisions.
The legislation was sponsored by Republican state Sen. Jim Oberweis. His plan would have empowered the state Tollway Authority and the Department of Transportation to impose higher limits in urban areas.
The proposal received plenty of support in both chambers, and Oberweis is pledging an override attempt following the November election.
The governor's action follows the veto of another bill also that would have let large trucks go faster on interstate highways in the Chicago area.