Lawmakers allow higher speeds for trucks

SPRINGFIELD. (AP) – Illinois lawmakers have overturned the governor’s veto of legislation allowing higher speed limits for trucks on interstate highways in rural parts of the Chicago area.

The House voted 103-12 Tuesday to override Gov. Pat Quinn’s veto of the legislation.

It allows trucks outside urban areas of Cook County and its surrounding suburban counties to go 60 mph, up from 55 mph.

Lawmakers approved an increase to 70 mph from 65 mph for cars in 2013. But the Illinois Department of Transportation refused to keep the car limit lower around Chicago, where truck limits remained at 55 mph.

The Senate nixed the Democratic governor’s action 54-0 on Nov. 20.