Local

Speed limit reduced to 60 mph on DeLand I-4 roadway

DELAND, Fla. — The speed limit on a 14-mile stretch of I-4 in DeLand was 70 mph. However, the speed limit has changed to 60 mph.

Drivers told WFTV they were happy to now see it at 60 mph, but they were frustrated it took so long.

Along a bumpy stretch of I-4 from DeLand to Daytona Beach, drivers whizzed by a narrow concrete barrier and miles of construction.

"Trucks coming on, dump trucks pulling in and out, nobody slowing down. You can't shift over because there's no place to shift to," said driver Pat Rightmyer.

Friday, after pressure from the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida Department of Transportation lowered the speed limit from 70 to 60 mph, and even 35 mph in more treacherous sections.

Since May, state data show there have been more than 50 crashes there.

"Yeah, I think it should be lowered for the time that they're doing the construction, because you don't know what to expect when you're driving through there," driver Aleida Ramirez said.

Before construction began, FDOT officials said a traffic study showed a lower speed limit wasn't necessary. But the crash data proved otherwise. Officials said in addition to the 60 mph speed limit, drivers can expect to see more troopers enforcing the lower speed.

"I think they're doing the right thing until they get done. I don't know how long it's going to take," said driver Ron Rightmyer.

Officials said construction in the area is expected to be completed in the next year to year and a half.