Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is seeking formal submissions from the public on a proposed speed limit change to State Highway 1 (SH1), between Templeton and Dawsons Road, just south of Christchurch.
The time period for consultation has been extended from four weeks to six weeks to 1 February recognising that people may be on holiday for part of this time.
Now the Christchurch Southern Motorway stage 2 is nearing completion, a safe and appropriate speed limit of 80km/h is proposed to fit the new road layout. The length of road under review is just over 1km.
“This is the most appropriate speed to balance safety and the efficient movement of people on this highway,” says Waka Kotahi Director Regional Relationships Jim Harland.
“Significant changes have occurred at this location, such as building a new motorway and roundabout, which changes the driving environment. We have examined the new environment and propose that the speed limit needs to come down from 100km/h to 80km/h.”
The proposed lower speed limit is consistent with side roads, suits the new road layout and will help to regulate the speed of traffic travelling off the new motorway and into Templeton township.
In addition to a lower speed limit, existing diagonal markings on the edge of the road will be repainted and extended as a traffic calming technique to visually narrow the road, signalling that drivers need to slow down.
Speed increases both the likelihood of crashes and the severity of crash outcomes, regardless of what caused the crash. Lowering speed limits on the road will make it more forgiving of human error so simple mistakes don’t cost lives, says Mr Harland.
Formal consultation on the proposed speed limit change starts on Wednesday, 16 December 2020 and closes at 5pm on Monday, 1 February 2021.
Mr Harland says those formal submissions will be considered by Waka Kotahi before it makes any final decisions on the proposed speed limit change.
What we’re proposing
|
Location |
Current permanent speed limit |
Proposed new speed limit |
|
SH1 – northbound direction From 275m from the end of the SH1 off-ramp exiting the Christchurch Southern Motorway to 200m south of Trents Road |
100 km/h |
80 km/h |
|
SH1 – southbound direction From 200m south of Trents Road to 25m from the start of the SH1 on-ramp entering the Christchurch Southern Motorway |
100 km/h |
80 km/h |
How can I have my say?
From Wednesday 16 December 2020, you can make a submission on the proposed change by:
Feedback will close 5pm on Monday, 1 February 2021.
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