New 80km/h speed limits are rolling out on state highways immediately surrounding the Waterview Connection as part of a programme for the opening of the twin motorway tunnels.
NZTA state highways Manager Brett Gliddon says setting new speed limits on the state highways immediately surrounding the Waterview Connection will ensure the safety of all road users and to allow drivers plenty of time to adjust.
“The speed limit within the Waterview Tunnel will be 80km/h when it’s opened so introducing a consistent speed limit on the motorway network around it, will reduce confusion for drivers,” says Gliddon.
“We’re making these changes now, ahead of the tunnel opening, to increase safety and give motorists time to get used to the new limits on this very busy section of the motorway,” he says.
The 80km/h speed limit is consistent with speed limits throughout the Central Motorway Junction and the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
On the Northwestern Motorway (SH16) the new maximum speed limit of 80km/h will apply between the Central Motorway Junction and the Rosebank Road area.
On the Southwestern Motorway (SH20) the new maximum speed limit of 80km/h will apply from the Great North Road Interchange at the northern end of the Waterview Tunnel, through the tunnel to the Dominion Road Interchange in the south.
“To further improve safety, variable speed limits will also be introduced inside the tunnel and on the immediate approach motorways,” says Gliddon.
“This means if there’s an incident or during maintenance work, the speed limits can be changed and reduced further, communicating to drivers via overhead signs,” he says.
