Sometimes, a lower speed limit stays in place at roadwork sites even when it looks like no work is happening.
This is because there may still be risks, such as:
- workers setting up or packing down the site
- changes to the road surface or centre lines
- new, temporary or no line markings
- equipment or workers near the road
- delays due to bad weather, meaning the work isn’t finished yet.
The speed limit before roadworks was set for a road in good condition.
If the road has changed, for example, if it’s rougher or narrower, the old speed limit may no longer be safe.
In some cases, the speed limit may be slightly increased after hours, but not back to the full original speed. For example, 40 km/h during work hours and 60 km/h after hours.
Speed limits at roadwork sites are mandatory.
That means you must follow them by law, and you can be fined if you don’t.
Even if the reason for the lower speed isn’t obvious, it’s there to protect you and the road workers.