Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is reducing speed limits on State Highway 2 in the Bay of Plenty to help keep road users safe.
The new permanent speed limits from Katikati to Bethlehem, Tauranga will come into effect from Friday 11 December 2020.
Between October and November 2019, Waka Kotahi consulted with the local community and road user groups on safe and appropriate speed limits in an effort to save lives and reduce the number of serious crashes on this stretch of SH2.
Director Regional Relationships Steve Mutton says this route is one of the highest risk roads in the Bay of Plenty. In the ten years from 2009 – 2018, 27 people died and 77 people were seriously injured in crashes on these roads.
“No crash resulting in death or serious injury is acceptable, so it’s important we take every opportunity to address the risk. Speed increases both the likelihood of crashes and the severity of crash outcomes, so a small change can make a huge difference.
“It’s great to be able to implement safer speeds ahead of the busy holiday period when we see a significant increase in traffic volumes on our roads,” Mr Mutton says.
There are more vehicles, including heavy vehicles, using this section of SH2 than ever before and it’s catering to a wide range of competing travel needs including cyclists and school children. In addition, crashes on this route can cause extensive delays and long detours if there are road closures.
“We’re currently making SH2 between Waihī and Ōmokoroa safer by improving intersections and installing roadside safety barriers, widening the road shoulder and putting in a wide centreline. These safety improvements are already well underway and, together with the right speed limit, will make SH2 safer for everyone.”
“We thank everyone who provided a submission and feedback on the proposed speed limit changes. Together with the community’s insights and our technical review we have been able to make an informed decision on these speed limit changes.”
The following new speed limits will come into effect from Friday 11 December 2020
| SH2 Katikati to Bethlehem, Tauranga |
Existing speed limits |
New speed limits from 11 December 2020 |
|
Katikati to Te Puna |
100km/h and 90km/h |
80km/h |
|
Pahoia School zone The variable speed limit will lower the speed limit from 80km/h outside the school to 60km/h at peak school traffic times. This is 35 minutes before the start of school until the start of school, and 20 minutes at the end of school, beginning no earlier than five minutes before the end of school. It also may operate for 10 minutes at any other time when there is a school-related activity. |
100km/h and variable 70km/h |
80km/h and variable 60km/h |
|
Te Puna |
80km/h |
60km/h |
|
Te Puna |
90km/h |
No speed limit change* |
|
Bethlehem |
90km/h and 50km/h |
No speed limit change* |
*Speed limits to the east of Te Puna, and the rural/urban boundary shift west of Bethlehem, have not changed. Waka Kotahi will re-assess the speed limit through this section in the future if the function of the road changes. For example, due to growth and development changing the way we use the road, or if new cycling infrastructure is constructed.
