Drivers on the WestConnex in Sydney will soon be able to go a little faster, with the speed limit being increased to 90km/h in the coming months.
“Transport for New South Wales is working with the operators of the WestConnex motorway for the safe introduction of a 90km/h speed limit as soon as possible,” a spokesperson for Transport for NSW told CarExpert.
“We have undertaken analysis and investigation to confirm an increase in speed can proceed and that is what we are working towards.
“An adjustment to the speed limit was deferred until after the opening of Rozelle Interchange, with resources committed to the opening and initial operations of the new interchange.
“The change is expected to be implemented in the first quarter of 2024.
“The speed limit change must be integrated with the motorway systems, which involves progressive updating and testing to support the safe operation of WestConnex.
“Existing scheduled tunnel maintenance closures will be used to implement and test the speed limit increase, so road users will not be inconvenienced. “
The latest project to open for the WestConnex freeway was the aforementioned Rozelle Interchange, which includes the Iron Cove Link.
According to the WestConnex website, it is Australia’s largest continual tunnel network project, and spans 33 kilometres.
The speed limit increase has been on the NSW Government’s radar since 2023. Election promises made by then-NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet were approved by Transport for NSW.
News.com.au reports the former Premier said in 2023 the increase to 90km/h would reduce commutes by up to 18 minutes per week and inject over $80 million into the state economy as result of productivity gains.
“Increasing the speed limit in WestConnex would mean drivers spend less time on the road and more time doing the things most important to them,” he said.
Tolls on the WestConnext network are currently capped at $11.78 for passenger vehicles and $35.33 for heavy vehicles.
Earlier this week the NSW Government announced it will provide toll relief for up to 750,000 drivers over a two-year period.
It will refund drivers up to $7280 per year for drivers who spend more than $60 per week per vehicle on tolls throughout the NSW toll road network.
