The speed limit on both directions of I-94 in Porter County between mile markers 17 and 26.6 is about to go from 55 miles per hour to 70 mph, the Indiana Department of Transportation said.

Beginning today, crews will be installing new speed limit signs along that 9.6 mile stretch of I-94.

The speed limit is being increased in response to recent speed checks, INDOT said in a statement released on Monday.

“The speed limit is already 70 mph from mile marker 26.6 to the Michigan state line,” INDOT said. “In the Porter County section, the radar speed checks discovered the average motorist is already safely traveling at 70 mph. Based on the data collected, the criteria have been met for raising the speed limit.”

The I-80/94 speed limit from the Illinois state line to mile marker 17 will remain at 55 mph because of the traffic congestion, INDOT added. “Also, the area is highly populated and there are more weaving movements of traffic at the many interchanges in close proximity through Lake County.”

INDOT reminds motorists to always follow the posted speed limit.