110km/h speed limit proposed for Waikato Expressway

After numerous stories about proposals to lower speed limits all over the North Island, the Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency is now looking to do the opposite for certain sections of the Waikato Expressway. 

The NZTA is weighing up raising the limit to 110km/h on 64km of motorway between Hampton Downs and Tamahere near Hamilton. It’s taking submissions from the public on the proposed changes until 5.00pm on November 23.

The group notes that increasing limits to 110km/h can only take place on roads that are safe enough. This comes after proposed changes were announced last month that may see a selection of roads around Auckland reduce their limits by as much as 40km/h.

“It’s important people have the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed speed limit changes and let us know if there are any additional factors we need to consider before a final decision is made,” Waka Kotahi director of regional relationships David Speirs told the NZ Herald.

“The Government invests heavily in our transport system and has upgraded many state highways with a focus on making them safer and more efficient.

“The speed limit can only be increased to 110km/h on roads which have features that make it safe for travelling at higher speeds, this includes having at least two lanes in each direction, a central median barrier, and no significant curves.”

It’s not just about increasing speed limits to 110km/h, though. The NZTA is also weighing up lowering a handful speed limits in other sections of the popular expressway. 

Most of these decreases are based around interchange sections, and range from dropping from 100km/h to 80km/h, to dropping limits to 50km/h at the Rangiriri Interchange.

Those who wish to support the proposal (or, indeed, if you’re against it for that matter) can send their submissions to the NZTA via the Waikato Expressway section on their website.