The speed limit on a 1.9-kilometre stretch of the Bass Highway between the Howth and Heybridge roundabouts will be slashed from 110km/h to 90km/h.
The change, approved by the Commissioner for Transport, is based on the highway’s history of single-vehicle loss-of-control crashes and its characteristics, including curves and the presence of gravel on the road shoulder.
The Department of State Growth says the lower speed limit will reduce the risk of these types of crashes and improve safety for all road users.
“Research shows that even small reductions in operating speeds can result in considerable safety benefits,” a spokesperson said.
“The change will add less than 15 seconds to the typical journey.”
State Growth said the reduction will bring the speed limit into line with the 90km/h limit west of the Heybridge roundabout through Chasm Creek.
That section was lowered from 100km/h to 90km/h in 2021 and has since seen a “significant reduction in crash rates”.
“The Chasm Creek section also has similar curves and road characteristics to the area between the Howth and Heybridge roundabouts,” they said.
The new speed limit will come into effect once new signage has been installed, which is expected during the week starting October 14.
