Consultation has opened on a proposed 110 km/h speed limit for Auckland’s Northern Gateway Toll Road and Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth Motorway.
The 25km stretch of motorway, connected by the Johnstones Hill Tunnels, currently has a speed limit of 100km/h.
NZTA regional relationships director Steve Mutton said these sections of motorway are designed and constructed to a high safety standard which means it can consider increasing the speed limit to 110km/h.
“Safety features include two lanes in each direction to provide safe passing opportunities, physical separation between opposing lanes to prevent head-on crashes, and a mostly straight, wide alignment.
“The on and off ramps at Pūhoi Road interchange are included in this 110km/h speed limit review. The sections of those ramps connecting to local roads are excluded.”
Mutton said there are no plans to review the speed limit of other sections of the motorway, including the Johnstones Hill Tunnels and SH1 south of the Northern Gateway.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown earlier said the proposal would boost economic growth and productivity by reducing travel times and increasing efficiency.
“We know how critical these connections are for motorists and freight operators, and we’re committed to ensuring that state highways enable people get to where they want to go, quickly and safely.”
NZTA will consider all feedback and review it along technical and safety assessments before seeking approval from the Director of Land Transport to set the new limit.
The consultation will last four weeks from today and close at the beginning of October.
