The Illinois Senate will soon vote on whether to override the governor’s veto of SB2374, a bill that would eliminate the split speed limit in the state.

A spokesperson for the office of Sen. George Shadid, D-Pekin, the bill’s primary sponsor, said the senator did intend to bring it to a vote, and that the bill was already on the calendar for the veto session, which started Monday, Nov. 8.

The bill’s chances look good. Both the Senate and House votes on it this year had more than the two-thirds support necessary to override Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s veto.

SB2374 would eliminate provisions in Illinois law that set up a slower, 55 mph speed limit for any vehicle over 8,000 pounds traveling on rural interstates. Other vehicles on those roads can travel 65 mph; all speed limits would remain 55 mph in urban areas.

The bill cleared the Senate by a vote of 37-15 on March 4. It gained approval in the House with a vote of 81-37 on May 18.

However, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich vetoed the measure Aug. 18, as he did a similar bill last year.