New 110km/h Speed Limit on Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway starts from July 1

The 18.5-kilometre Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway plays a pivotal role in New Zealand’s roading network, carrying over 20,000 vehicles daily.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 30-06-2025 12:14 IST | Created: 30-06-2025 12:14 IST
New 110km/h Speed Limit on Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway starts from July 1
Since its opening, the motorway has significantly reduced travel times and provided a safer alternative to the old State Highway 1 route. Image Credit: ChatGPT
  • Country:
  • New Zealand

Starting tomorrow, 1 July 2025, the speed limit on the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway will officially increase to 110 kilometres per hour, following widespread public support and a rigorous safety assessment, Transport Minister Chris Bishop has confirmed.

The change will apply to a stretch of motorway spanning from 2.5 kilometres north of the Johnstones Hill Tunnels to just south of the Warkworth roundabout, marking the first major speed increase for this crucial part of State Highway 1 since its opening in mid-2023.

A Strategic Shift for New Zealand’s Northland-Auckland Corridor

The 18.5-kilometre Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway plays a pivotal role in New Zealand’s roading network, carrying over 20,000 vehicles daily. Minister Bishop emphasized the corridor’s significance for economic productivity and regional connectivity.

“Transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and productivity,” said Bishop. “The new higher speed will help ensure people and freight can get to where they need to go, quickly and safely.”

Since its opening, the motorway has significantly reduced travel times and provided a safer alternative to the old State Highway 1 route. The new limit aims to capitalize on these benefits by enhancing efficiency for commercial freight transport, regular commuters, and tourists alike.

Backed by Public Support and Technical Safety Review

In late 2024, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) launched a public consultation on the proposed speed increase. The response was overwhelmingly positive: of the more than 7,900 submissions received from Northland and Auckland, 94% supported the change, with 91% strongly in favour.

This community support, coupled with technical safety assessments, sealed the decision. The motorway’s modern engineering features — including dual carriageways in each direction, wide shoulders, median barriers, and limited access points — have created conditions conducive to higher-speed travel with a high safety threshold.

“The Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway has been designed and constructed with safety features that greatly reduce the risk of death and serious injury,” noted Bishop. “Since opening in 2023, no one has died in a crash on this road.”

Maintaining Safe Driving Expectations

Police will enforce the new speed limit as they would any other part of the road network. Motorists are urged to continue exercising caution, drive to the conditions, and remain free from distractions and impairment.

“Drivers should expect to see police patrols on New Zealand roads anywhere, at any time,” Bishop stated. “And everyone must wear their seatbelt.”

The change is aligned with broader transport strategies to improve the resilience and efficiency of key infrastructure linking the Auckland region with Northland. The corridor is considered critical not only for regional mobility but also for tourism and freight logistics.

A Step Toward Future Network Enhancements

This move sets a precedent for future upgrades to modern motorways across New Zealand. The Pūhoi to Warkworth project has been closely watched as a model for combining infrastructure improvements with policy shifts to enhance transport performance.

As New Zealand continues investing in smart, safe, and sustainable transport solutions, the newly enacted 110km/h speed limit is likely to be viewed as a success story in balancing safety, efficiency, and public consensus.

“Kiwis have had their say and we’re delivering. This is about ensuring our roading infrastructure supports how New Zealanders live, work, and travel,” said Bishop.

From 6:00 AM on Tuesday, 1 July 2025, motorists can legally travel up to 110km/h on this section of the motorway — a change that promises smoother, quicker, and more reliable travel for thousands each day.

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