Project introduction

We want everyone who uses our roads in Northland and north Auckland to get where they’re going safely. To save lives and prevent serious injuries, we have reviewed speed limits in the region.

  • Project type

    Speed review

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Project background

As a road controlling authority, we have a responsibility to set safe and appropriate speed limits to maintain the state highway network. We’ve been reviewing speed limits on state highways in Northland and north Auckland as part of our national speed management programme and plan to implement changes to short sections of the following state highways:

  • SH1 Pukenui to Kaitaia
  • SH15 from SH1 (north of Kaikohe) to Otaika
  • SH14 Dargaville to Whangārei
  • SH1 Kawakawa to Whangārei
  • SH11 Kawakawa to Paihia
  • SH1 Whangārei to Te Hana
  • SH12 Ōmāpere to Kaikohe
  • SH12 Brynderwyn to Ōmāpere
  • SH16 Wellsford to Waimauku
  • SH1 Te Hana to Warkworth
  • SH10 Pakaraka to Taipa 

Speed limit changes will be targeted to short sections through townships and close to schools and marae, and will not affect the entire stretch of state highway. 

Approved sections of state highway include 54 new permanent speed limit changes and new electronic (variable speed limit) signs across 34 schools. Changes also affect speed limits alongside 7 marae. 

  • Speed review consultation results

    All decisions have been informed by detailed technical assessments to check the road environment, layout and use, and by extensive consultation with the community, iwi / hapu partners, and stakeholders to provide valuable information about how communities use our roads.

    We would like to thank everyone who took the time to input into our speed review process. We received 653 submissions during consultation on proposed speed limit changes from 17 May to 14 June 2022, with feedback outlined in our consultation summary.

    Northland and north Auckland speed reviews consultation summary 2023 [PDF, 2.4 MB]

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  • Phased roll-out starting with SH1 Pukenui to Kaitaia

    Waka Kotahi will use a phased approach to implement approved speed limit changes, starting with sections of SH1 between Pukenui and Kaitaia. Changes will apply from 4 March 2024 and include permanent speed limit changes to 5 sections of state highway and new electronic variable speed limit (VSL) signs at Waiharara School and Awanui School, operating during school peak times. 

    Construction activity includes work to install poles, signs, and technology along sections of the state highway network to clearly outline the new speed changes. Waka Kotahi will provide updates to local communities and motorists during construction to minimise disruption.  Speed limit changes on the remaining state highways are expected to be delivered by the end of 2024. Waka Kotahi will provide prior notification to communities and stakeholders in advance of any changes.

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