Fla. lowering I-4 speed limit from 70 to 60 mph in Volusia Co. construction zone

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A big change is on the way for thousands of drivers on Interstate 4 in Volusia County

The state is in the process of lowering the speed limit throughout a 14-mile construction zone because there have been dozens of crashes in the last two months.

A spokesperson said a traffic study concluded lowering the speed limit before construction started wasn't necessary.

State data of 50 crashes since May -- nearly one crash every day – have proven otherwise.

After pressure by Florida Highway Patrol, the state is lowering the speed limit from 70 mph to 60 mph.

All that separates cars going 70 mph from crossing into oncoming traffic is a concrete barrier, which wasn't enough to keep a dump truck on its side of the road last month.

"The roads are narrow," driver Livia Horen said. "You can almost reach your hand out and reach the other car in the other lane."

The speed limit won't change before the Coke Zero 400 this weekend.

Instead of taking I-4 to Daytona, cars need to exit at at State Road 44 and take it to Interstate 95 to New Smyrna Beach.

With thousands of race fans headed to Daytona, other drivers Channel 9 spoke to don't want to be anywhere near it.

"No point in going down there just to be in danger," Horen said.

WFTV