The speed limit on a busy stretch of Sydney’s M5 motorway will increase to 100km/h this week.
The affected section runs eastbound between Belmore Road in Riverwood and King George’s Road in Beverly Hills, and the change is expected to come into effect by tomorrow, October 24.
The stretch of road previously carried a 100km/h limit, but was reduced to 80km/h in 2020, prior to the opening of the M8.
Restoration of the 100km/h speed limit will mean an uninterrupted stretch of 20kms at the same, higher speed limit, and will benefit the journeys of 84,000 motorists a day.
The on and off ramp speed at the entry and exit points at Belmore Road and King George’s Road will remain at 60km/h.
Weather permitting, work to change speed signs is due to take place overnight tonight.
Temporary lane closures and a speed limit of 40km/h will apply during the work.
The speed limit increase comes as Transport for NSW prepares for various improvements to the state’s motorway network.
The Rozelle Interchange – the final piece of WestConnex – will open by the end of the year, and the WestConnex speed limit is expected to be adjusted from 80km/h to 90km/h in the first quarter of 2024.
NSW Roads Minister John Graham said in a statement: “We are taking the first step in our plan to get commuters home faster, as we speed up our motorways.
“Safety is always our number one priority and this change follows a rigorous safety review that found it is appropriate to raise the speed limit.
“The initial speed reduction was a temporary measure to mitigate potential safety risks caused by queuing traffic onto the motorway as motorists adjusted to the new part of the network.
“Over 84,000 motorists use the M5 eastbound each day, and this action will get motorists back up to speed on their daily commute.
“Where we can increase speed limits safely, we will look to do so, so that people can get to work, home or study faster. On the flipside, the NSW Government also works with community’s and local councils on lowering speed limits in the name of safety and amenity.”