Bill To Increase Speed Limit Passes Illinois Senate

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A bill to increase the speed limit on interstates and the tollway system is moving through the Illinois legislature.

The Senate approved the bill and has sent it to the House for consideration.

The bill would raise the speed limit to 70 mph on those limited access routes effective next Jan. 1.

However, it would allow Cook and the collar counties to keep the limit where it is if local officials choose.

Supporters say the higher limit is business friendly because it would legally allow commercial vehicles to get to their destinations faster.

Currently, more than 30 states allow 70 or 75 mile per hour driving on interstates and other major roads.