Board lowers speed limit on South Lake Storey Road after public pleas

The Knox County Board voted on March 25 to lower the posted speed limit on County Highway 30 (locally known as South Lake Storey Road) from 45 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour.

Member Samuel Cohen, sponsor of the ordinance, said the change covers the segment beginning at U.S. 150 and extending roughly 0.5 miles west toward the Allison Campground and that the county engineer recommended 35 mph based on the city’s completed speed study. Chair Jared Hawkinson told the board that Sheriff Jack Harlan’s patrols had issued almost 200 speeding citations on that stretch between Feb. 14 and March 23, evidence he said showed a need for enforcement and reduced limits.

Public commenters urged a still-lower limit. Janine Glass, who identified herself during public comment and described the catastrophic injuries suffered by her sister in a collision, said reducing the limit "may have" made a difference and urged the board to act. Jim Jacobs, another commenter, said a lower limit might give drivers more reaction time in some crashes. Member Joshua Kramer noted an email from a local alderman asking for 25 mph but said the board could revisit the posting after completion of an area bike path.

The ordinance passed on a roll-call vote with all 13 members recorded as voting in favor. Board members stressed that the posted limit reflects traffic-engine recommendations and that additional advisory signage will be installed on curves near the bike-path construction.

The board’s action changes posted speeds under county authority and the highway administrator will work with the Illinois Department of Transportation to complete required steps for signage and mapping.