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   SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois transportation officials say they're gearing up for busy roadways this Memorial Day weekend and have a plan to reduce congestion.

   The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Thursday that non-emergency roadwork will be suspended to improve traffic flow at the unofficial start of summer.

   Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider says the move helps ensure safety with the increase of motorists expected on the roads.

   The suspension starts 3 p.m. on Friday through midnight Monday.

   Transportation officials are urging motorists to obey posted speed limits and that posted limits are still in effect for construction zones even if there's no construction in the works.

   SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Legislation increasing the speed limit on interstate highways in Illinois to 70 mph is headed to Gov. Pat Quinn.

   The House approved the bill 85-30 Wednesday. The current maximum speed limit is 65 mph.

   Sponsoring Rep. Jerry Costello II says the bill is good for business. The Smithton Democrat says it will allow companies to move their wares more quickly.

   Gov. Pat Quinn's Transportation Department opposes the increase. But spokeswoman Brooke Anderson says Quinn will review the bill.

   House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie says studies show increased speeds result in more crashes and deaths.

   But a Jacksonville Republican Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer says motorists heading south avoid Illinois, meaning fewer stops for fuel and food.

CHICAGO (AP) - State officials have announced nearly $500 million in construction projects slated to begin soon.

The Illinois Department of Transportation released a list Monday of nearly 200 road and bridge projects. They include an interchange project on Chicago's Far South Side off Interstate 94. The state is investing $43 million in the project, which will repair, reconstruct and replace seven bridges. It will be completed in 2014.

Gov. Pat Quinn, Congressman Bobby Rush and state Sen. Donne Trotter were among the public officials who announced the projects Monday on the city's South Side.

The money comes from a capital construction program, Illinois Jobs Now!, and a supplemental appropriation lawmakers approved earlier this year.

The other projects include pedestrian structures, lots road resurfacing, bridge repair and road widening.