Engine braking (jakebraking) is prohibited in many areas because of the loud noise it creates. Typically, when an interstate travels near a residential area is when you will see the signs prohibiting the action.
The many signs that say “engine braking prohibited” make it seem like its an unsafe practice, but that is not the case. Engine braking is regulated because of the loud noise it creates near residential areas located close to tolls roads and interstates.
Last Friday, staff and I had the pleasure of meeting with the new Executive Director of the Illinois Tollway Jose Alvarez, at Village Hall. We discussed several intergovernmental cooperative initiatives including maintenance of overgrowth along the bridges.
I also asked the director to re-establish engine braking restrictions on the E/B stretch of 88 as it descends toward the DuPage River. I’m happy to announce that today, two engine braking prohibition signs were posted in the eastbound direction starting at Yender.