From next Tuesday M5 motorists can put the foot down – legally

More than 80,000 motorists – many from the Macarthur region – will be able to go a bit faster on the M5 from next Tuesday – and it will be legal.

The speed limit eastbound on the M5 South-West between Belmore Road at Riverwood and King Georges Road at Beverly Hills will be returned to 100km/h from the current 80km/h limit.

The speed limit was reduced to 80km/h before the opening of the M8 in 2020.

The change back to 100km/h comes as Transport for NSW prepares a number of improvements to the motorway network.

The Rozelle Interchange – the final piece of WestConnex – will open by the end of the year and following that the WestConnex speed limit will be adjusted from 80km/h to 90km/h, expected in the first quarter of 2024.

Restoration of the 100km/h speed limit on the section Riverwood to Beverly Hills section of the M5 will mean an uninterrupted stretch of 20kms at the same, higher speed limit.

Work to alter speed signs will take place Monday night, weather permitting, to limit disruption for motorists and to ensure safety of workers.

Temporary lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will apply during work.

“We are taking the first step in our plan to get commuters home faster, as we speed up our motorways,’’ says NSW roads minister John Graham.

“Safety is always our number one priority, and this change follows a rigorous safety review that found it is appropriate to raise the speed limit.

“The initial speed reduction was a temporary measure to mitigate potential safety risks caused by queuing traffic onto the motorway as motorists adjusted to the new part of the network.

“Over 84,000 motorists use the M5 eastbound each day, and this action will get motorists back up to speed on their daily commute.

“Where we can increase speed limits safely, we will look to do so, so that people can get to work, home or study faster.

“On the flipside, the NSW Government also works with community’s and local councils on lowering speed limits in the name of safety and amenity,” the minister said.