Over the next six weeks, people are invited to have their say on proposals to lower speed limits on two sections of state highway near Blenheim.
NZTA Waka Kotahi Director Regional Relationships Emma Speight said this was in response to community feedback that current speed limits were not suitable for these parts of SH1.
“Our assessments show a lower speed limit is more appropriate for these sections of highway.
“Slower speeds would reduce the risk and severity of crashes, give drivers more time to react, and help road users better judge gaps in the traffic,” Emma said.
These targeted changes focus on areas with high safety concerns, and it’s expected the proposals would have minimal effect on overall travel times.
“We encourage people to have their say and share useful insights and information. Public feedback will help inform final decisions. It is one aspect we consider alongside technical assessments, safety data and evidence, and costs and benefits,” she said.
The speed limit proposals are for the following sections of SH1:
Spring Creek to Blenheim
- This 3.95km section, from south of the Spring Creek roundabout to south of Lower Wairau Road, is proposed to change from 100km/h to 80km/h.
- About 10,700 vehicles travel this route daily, of which 18.4 per cent are heavy commercial vehicles.
- Over the past five years, 32 crashes were recorded on this stretch, including 2 fatal crashes and 5 serious-injury crashes.
Riverlands
- This 4.72km section, from east of Alabama Road to east of Cloudy Bay Drive, is also proposed to change from 100km/h to 80km/h.
- Almost 8,000 vehicles travel this route daily, of which 21.6 per cent are heavy commercial vehicles.
- Over the past five years, 17 crashes were recorded on this section of the highway, including one serious injury crash.
The consultation will run for six weeks until 5pm Monday 27 July.
More information including the online survey is available on NZTA website.
