A 110km/h speed limit will take effect on a 5.5km section of State Highway 1 north of Auckland from tomorrow.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced today that the Northern Gateway Toll Road, from north of Orewa to south of the Johnstone’s Hill Tunnel, would see its speed limit rise.
“Economic growth and productivity are a priority for the Government,” he said,
“With around 11,000 vehicles per day travelling on the Northern Gateway, 9% of that being heavy vehicles, the new higher speed limit of 110km/h will help ensure people and freight can get to where they need to go, quickly and safely.”
NZTA consulted on the proposed speed increase late last year.
“More than 7900 submissions were received from across Northland and Auckland, with 93% in support of the increased speed limit and 91% strongly supporting it,” Bishop said.
The road had been designed and constructed with safety features such as two lanes in each direction, physical median separation between opposing lanes, and a mostly straight, wide alignment.
Additional safety improvements were being considered over the next 12 to 18 months.
Bishop said the road was a “crucial corridor” for road users, freight, and tourists, which formed an “important part of the key strategic route between Auckland and Whangārei and beyond into Northland”.
“I look forward to the new 110km/h speed limit coming into effect later this month.”
