Tauranga Eastern Link to become 110km/h speed zone

Cars using the Tauranga Eastern Link (TEL) for first time at sunrise. The Government has just announced plans to raise the speed limit on the road to 110km/h. Photo/file

The Government has announced a proposed speed limit of 110km/h on the Tauranga Eastern Link today.

Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss says a new "speed management guide" will allow speed limits to be raised under some circumstances on some roads.

"Changes made under the guide may include altering road design, lowering speed limits, or in certain circumstances, raising them.

"To be eligible for a 110 km/h limit, a road will have to meet very strict conditions, including having a median barrier, at least two lanes in each direction and no direct access to neighbouring properties."

Roads the NZTA has previously considered for a higher speed limit include the Tauranga Eastern Link and Waikato Expressway.

Foss said the guide would help councils, the New Zealand Transport Agency and other road controlling authorities decide where and when to make safety improvements or change speed limits.

"New Zealand roads are unique and conditions vary from towns to cities, north to south. The guide strongly encourages community involvement as local knowledge and perspectives, backed by the information and data provided in the guide, will help ensure the best possible safety results."

The speed management guide will replace the speed setting guidance in the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2003. Consultation on the changes will begin early next year.

A 110km/h limit has been considered for some time for motorways built as part of the Government's roads of national significance programme.

Other roads are expected to be Transmission Gully motorway and Kapiti Expressway in the Wellington region, and the Northern Gateway toll road north of Auckland.