Tullamarine Freeway speed limit to be increased to 100kmh — with conditions

THE controversial 80kmh speed cap on the Tullamarine Freeway will be ditched in a bid to reduce travel times — but the move comes with conditions.

SPEED limits on the Tullamarine Freeway will be increased to 100kmh during off-peak periods, scrapping the controversial 80kmh cap.

The new trial aims to boost travel times on one of Melbourne’s busiest corridors.

A maximum limit of 80kmh had been enforced during the CityLink Tulla Widening Project and was originally scheduled to continue even after major works were completed.

The restrictions sparked a strong public backlash from motorists.

But a joint initiative, rolled out by VicRoads and Transurban, will have speeds raised to 100kmh when safe to do so between Bulla Rd and the Bolte Bridge.

RACV CALLS FOR REVIEW OF SPEED LIMITS ON TULLAMARINE FREEWAY

SPEED LIMITS ON TULLAMARINE FREEWAY TO BE CAPPED AT 80KM/H

The limit was originally scheduled to continue, even after major works were completed. Picture: David Smith

Road sensors, electronic signs and CCTV will be used to monitor traffic on the freeway, raising limits during lulls and lowering speed zones when traffic volumes are high.

The trial will start from mid-March and will last for six months.

Roads Minister Luke Donnellan said upgrades had already improved travel times on CityLink and the Tulla.

“This trial will use state of the art technology to give people a smoother and safer trip,’ he said.

“When there’s heavy traffic we’ll slow drivers down to improve traffic flow, then we’ll wind the speed back up to 100kmh when the road is clear.”

Mick McCarthy, VicRoads director for the CityLink Tulla Widening Project, said drivers would save more time once the trial was rolled out.

“We’re using technology to set safe speeds that are reflective of the live traffic environment, helping drivers get to where they need to be as safely and efficiently as possible,” he said.

Road works on the Tulla. Picture: David Smith

RACV general manager of public policy Bryce Prosser said higher speed limits had ­already been successfully trialled along the Monash Freeway in 2017.

“The announcement of a 100kmh variable-speed trial along the Tullamarine is a win for RACV, which has been lobbying hard for common sense to prevail,” he said.

“Once all road upgrades are complete, it is sensible to conduct a similar trial along the Tullamarine Freeway.

“This would allow for drivers to drive at the ideal speed for the traffic environment.”

Average travel times between Moreland Rd and the Bolte Bridge have dropped by 40 per cent in the morning peak since upgrades were finished, according to figures from the State Government.

The number of inbound crashes on the Bolte Bridge has also dropped by more than 70 per cent.

The CityLink Tulla Widening Project is expected to be completed this year and is forecast to save drivers up to 16 minutes on peak-hour journeys between the West Gate and Melbourne Airport.

“We’re always looking for ways to keep people moving,” Transurban Group Executive Victoria and Strategy Wes Ballantine said.