Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is seeking feedback from people who live and work alongside State Highway 3 between Palmerston North and Ashhurst on proposed new safer speed limits designed to save lives and prevent serious injuries.
Alongside the speed review, Waka Kotahi is also designing new safety infrastructure improvements for the road.
Director of Regional Relationships Linda Stewart says everyone should be able to get where they’re going safely whether they’re walking, cycling, driving, motorcycling or using public transport.
“Between 2011 and 2020, there were three people killed and 80 people injured in crashes on SH3 Napier Road.
“People dying and being seriously injured on our roads shouldn’t be accepted as the toll we must pay for using them. The safety features of a road and the speed vehicles travel on it influence both the risk of a crash and whether it is survivable.”
During February and March, Waka Kotahi engaged with stakeholders and the community to hear about the speed limits on SH3 Napier Road. Waka Kotahi also sought feedback on planned infrastructure improvements, including the construction of traffic signals and facilities for people walking and cycling.
“More than 200 people shared their thoughts about speed and safety on SH3 Napier Road. As well as moving forward with the design of infrastructure improvements, we are now proposing to change some of the speed limits on the route as soon as possible to make them safer.”
“This road has undergone significant change with development in Palmerston North leading to an increase in the number and type of vehicles using it. The use of the alternative route (Saddle Road) from Ashhurst to Woodville has also resulted in increased traffic and safety impacts on this corridor.”
Waka Kotahi is encouraging everyone who lives and works alongsideSH3 Napier Road between Palmerston North to Ashhurst to have their say on the new speed limit proposals.
People can view the proposed new speed limits and provide feedback by visiting the SH3 Napier Road speed review and infrastructure improvements(external link) page on the Waka Kotahi website or by emailing pn2ashhurst@nzta.govt.nz.
A printed brochure and a Freepost form to make a submission can be requested by calling Waka Kotahi on 0800 44 44 49.
The consultation period is open from today, and closes at 5pm on Friday 6 May 2022.
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