Tackling speed limits around construction works

Ever been frustrated by reduced speed limit signs on the side of the road when there is no sign of any work being done to justify them?

The State Government has introduced legislation which will pave the way to deliver on its election commitment to remove worksite speed limits outside construction speed hours where it is safe to do so. 

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the move would be especially welcome on the Central Coast, where more than $800M in road projects were underway, including the $19M major upgrade of Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy.

“With so many major road upgrades in progress, we all know the frustration of getting stuck doing roadwork speed restrictions outside of construction hours,” she said.

“I have been contacted by a number of constituents who are continually frustrated doing construction speed limits in times where construction hours are not in place for long periods of time, adding time to their day-to-day commute.

“This change is about striking the right balance, ensuring that speed limits are appropriate and therefore respected, while ensuring that workers are always protected when present on the job.”

Currently, construction speed limits remain in effect outside of construction hours.

While some road and lane closures do warrant ongoing speed reductions for the purposes of safety, it is not uncommon for drivers to have to slow down on an unobstructed road for work that is not taking place.

The Transport Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 presented to Parliament last week requires all road authorities including councils and their contractors undertaking roadworks to install, maintain and remove roadwork speed limit signs in compliance with a Standard to be published by Transport for NSW in the Gazette.

This is a commonsense approach that applies where there is a roadwork area, but clearly no roadworkers in the middle of the job.

If there is an unobstructed road and it is safe to do so motorists will be able to return to the normal driving conditions.

These arrangements are already in place in Victoria and South Australia.

It is expected the new Standard will be finalised by the end of the year following consultation with stakeholders, with the new system to be implemented next year.