M1 speed limit could be reduced permanently

THE State Government could decide by the end of this month whether it will permanently reduce the speed limit on the M1.

THE State Government could decide by the end of this month whether it will permanently reduce the speed limit on the Pacific Motorway section of the M1.

A decision is expected on whether to permanently reduce the speed limit on the M1. Picture: John Gass/AAP

Sections of the state’s busiest road operated under the reduced limits during the recent Commonwealth Games however speeds reverted back to normal on April 17.

The Transport Department is currently reviewing how effective the reduced limits and other traffic management initiatives in place for the games were at improving safety and traffic flows.

A Transport and Main Roads spokeswoman said the comprehensive review into all M1 traffic management initiatives would be completed by the end of May.

“Any decisions regarding the implementation of these initiatives will be made once the review is concluded,” she said.

Department officials are also close to finishing a 12-month analysis of a trial that restricted trucks to the two left hand lanes of the Pacific Motorway. That report is due to be completed in July.

During the Games, the speed limit was cut from 110km/h to 100km/h from the Logan Motorway interchange to Gaven, while it was reduced from 100km/h to 90km/h from Eight Mile Plains to the Logan Motorway.

The changes do not affect the Gateway Motorway or Bruce Highway sections of the M1.

Originally published as M1 speed limit could be reduced permanently