Waikato Expressway speed limit will change to 110km/h

As we near the completion of the new SH1 Waikato Expressway, Waka Kotahi has decided to change the speed limit from 100km/h to 110km/h.

The new section of the expressway is expected to open in mid-July with the current Hampton Downs, Ngāruawāhia and Tamahere sections currently being upgraded to meet the necessary design and safety standards.

In addition to consulting with the public, Waka Kotahi also engaged with local Iwi, NZ Police, AA and local councils before making the decision to increase the speed limit.

Director Regional Relationships David Speirs says overall, the majority of the 744 submissions received were in support of what was proposed.

“This road has been selected to have its speed limit increased because of its design and safety features. This is one of the country’s best roads.”

“The speed limit is being increased on the Waikato Expressway because it is a modern road that can support higher travel speeds without compromising safety. The features making it safer for travelling at higher speeds include having at least two lanes in each direction, a central median barrier and no significant curves”, Mr Speirs says.

Upon completion, 78km of motorway will be 110km/h from Hampton Downs to the south of Cambridge reducing travel times between Auckland and Tirau by 35 minutes.

The new speed limit will come into effect on Wednesday 13 July 2022.