Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Nelson/Tasman residents are being urged to have their say on a proposed new Intersection Speed Zone where State Highway 6 and Ellis Street/River Terrace meet near Brightwater.
Intersection Speed Zones improve the safety at rural intersections on high-speed roads.
They detect approaching traffic intending to turn into or out of side roads and activate an electronic variable speed limit sign to temporarily show a lower legal speed limit on the main road.
This makes it easier and safer for people to pull into or out of a side road across a high-speed rural road or highway.
Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island / Top of the South, says it is about creating a more forgiving environment and reducing harm at a high-risk intersection.
“There have been community concerns about safety at the Ellis Street and River Terrace Road intersection.”
“With approximately 11,500 vehicles travelling between Hope and Brightwater, and 8,500 between Brightwater and Wakefield each day, the proposed changes will make this busy intersection safer for everyone – drivers, residents, and businesses.” Mr Owen says.
Proposed intersection speed zone, SH6 Brightwater.
Mr Owen says the proposal is to introduce a variable speed limit of 60 km/h.
“This is a speed limit that is safe and appropriate for the intersection and will make it safer.”
“Reducing traffic speed means crashes are less likely because drivers will have more time to react to mistakes and avoid collisions. If a crash does happen, lower speeds reduce the risk of death or serious injury for those involved,” Mr Owen says.
He says the lower speed limit will only operate when people are using this intersection to join or leave the state highway.
“At all other times, the speed limit will remain 80 km/h along State Highway 6 at this location.”
Mr Owen says intersection speed zones and the variable speed signs have other safety benefits as well.
“They increase the awareness of drivers on the main road to vehicles approaching on side roads. It means they are more prepared for unexpected events like another vehicle turning in front of them.”
Consultation runs from 13 October 2025 and closes on 24 November 2025.
Feedback can be given online at – www.nzta.govt.nz/brightwaterISZ(external link) (link live from 13 October).
If you have any questions, please email BrightwaterISZ@nzta.govt.nz
