WSIL-TV 3 ABC
Top Stories
Last updated 11:43 am CT September 02, 2010.
55 to 65: Semi Speed Limit Increases After New Year
After the new year, truckers going through Illinois, can put it into high gear. And some say- it's about time...
"Its very very long time overdue," says Canadian carrier Jack Wyszotski.
"I appreciate being able to set it on cruise control at 60 miles per hour and being able to cruise on through Illinois," explains driver Jo Anne Nelson. "Because it's a long state from north to south, and it takes a long time at the "double nickel.""
Nelson has been a trucker for more than 20 years and has logged more than 2-million accident free miles behind the wheel. She says, this isn't only about convenience, its about safety...
"More than anything else, you can flow with the traffic, which is better than being held up and holding up traffic. I think its really a reasonable thing. Its more dangerous the other way."
Driver Brian Walden agrees...
"I don't see how it couldn't. I mean, if we can keep up with everyone else, that just makes a whole world of difference."
But, Walden also says: the quicker the trip- the more money he makes...
"That means an extra hour to drive," Walden chuckles, "It definitely makes me more money."
With the speed for semis going up, the 55 mps signs will be coming down. And officials with I-DOT say it'll cost about $75,000 to have them removed across the state. But they also say, the signs won't go to waste.
"We can assure the public that we are reusing those signs and they are recycled," explains I-DOT spokesperson Paris Ervin.
Illinois is one of the last states in the nation to increase their semi-truck speed limit, and more drivers say the decision is a big 10-4...
"I like it. I'm glad to see Illinois do it," says Nelson.
I-DOT officials ask interstate drivers to keep an eye out while crews remove those signs. The work starts January 4th.
By: Rachel Gartner
rgartner@wsiltv.com
Now: 1283451812
