Start Driving 35: New U.S. 30 Speed Limit Begins Friday

Get ready to slow down along U.S. Route 30 starting this weekend. begins Friday, according to an Illinois Department of Transportation press release.

The new 35-mph speed limit will be in effect through Frankfort, New Lenox and Mokena, between William Street in New Lenox and Harlem Avenue in Frankfort. The normal speed limit in those areas is 40 mph or 45 mph. 

With the new speed limit comes increased fines for speeding. A first offense will cost a driver a minimum of $250, and a second offense will be a minimum of $750. Cell phone use also will not be allowed in the construction zone.

The reduction comes after , citing safety reasons. were finally able to convince the transportation department that a lower speed limit would be a good thing.

The $72.7 million U.S. 30 widening project is still in its first stage of construction, which involves removing trees, installing new storm sewers and constructing temporary pavement, the IDOT press release stated. Construction of the new lanes will start later this summer, with the entire project to be complete by fall 2012, according to the release.