Tauranga City Council has approved the bylaw amendment for a 60km/h speed limit for the Maungatapu area, which comes in effect today.

This bylaw amendment was necessary as new urban roads have a default 50km/h speed limit, but the underpass was designed and constructed for a speed of 60km/h, says the council.

'This is the safe and appropriate speed limit through the Maungatapu underpass and along the Hairini causeway.

'We appreciate it has taken a long time to work through the process and thank you for your patience.”

As of today, the following changes are being implemented:

• The current speed limit through the Maungatapu underpass is raised from 50km/h to 60km/h
• The current speed limit along the causeway is lowered from 70km/h to 60km/h, including the approaches to and from the SH29A Maungatapu roundabout.
• The speed limit along Welcome Bay Lane – which is temporarily closed – remains at 50km/h.