The speed limit through a construction zone on southbound I-75 in Ohio near the Ohio 122 exit was lowered from 65 to 55 last Thursday, according to the Oxford Press.

The reason for the slowdown was the death of three motorists in the prior four days in the work zone. On Wednesday night motorcyclist Ted Pollock, 58, of Cincinnati was killed when his motorcycle collided with a dump truck. The dump truck was slowing down to enter the work area in the median of the interstate when it was struck from behind by the motorcycle, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Two people were killed on Saturday, Oct. 17, when their car also rear-ended a dump truck near the Ohio 122 exit, according to the highway patrol. Nicholas Poe, 30, and Amanda Poe, 24, of Cross Plains, Tenn., were traveling in a Nissan Maxima when the crash occurred.

Signs have been put up marking the reduced speed. The highway patrol also has stepped up patrols in the area and will assess double the usual fine for drivers found violating the speed limit.

The road widening project on I-75 is scheduled to be completed in summer 2011, and the reduced speed limit will be in effect until the project is completed.