Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has set a new permanent speed limit on SH6, through Luggate, Otago, to take effect in a month’s time.
The speed limit through Luggate township at each end will drop from 70km/h to 50km/h connecting with the existing 50km/h existing limit through the middle of the town. This change will be in force from Friday, 13 November.
The current 70km/h limits at either end are being replaced with the safer speed 50km/h limit through the whole town, slowing traffic over a much wider area (see map below).
The additional areas of highway dropping to 50 km/hour through Luggate – 450 metres at the northern, Wanaka side and 350 metres on the southern, Cromwell approach.
Luggate, 15 km east of Wanaka, has expanded residential developments in recent years as the popularity of Queenstown Lakes District and Wanaka has fuelled growth in the district’s small towns. In 2018, the average daily vehicle count was 2,600 per day, up 40% on four years earlier. Many drivers also travel to and from Wanaka from Cromwell.
Waka Kotahi consulted with the community and transport partners at the end of 2019 on the proposed Luggate speed review, with 60 submissions received.
The new speed limit aims to improve safety and prevent needless deaths and serious injuries, says Waka Kotahi Director of Regional Relationships, Jim Harland.
“No crash resulting in death or serious injury is acceptable, so it’s important we take every opportunity to address the risk. Fewer crashes will also mean fewer closures, which will increase the reliability of this important transport route,” Mr Harland says.
Queenstown Lakes District Deputy Mayor and Wanaka resident Callum McLeod said it was a splendid outcome.
“The Luggate community have been working with Waka Kotahi towards this goal for many years. Luggate is predominately a residential, family friendly settlement. Extending the 50 km/h zone will undoubtedly improve safety. I am delighted to say a huge thank you to the NZ Transport Agency on their behalf.”
New speed limit signs will be installed ahead of the change taking legal effect on Friday, 13 November.
This speed review is aligned to New Zealand’s Road Safety Strategy(external link), Road to Zero 2020 – 2030 and a programme of work delivering safety improvements, including speed management, on our highest risk intersections and roads across New Zealand. Through these safety improvements, Waka Kotahi aims to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.
More information on the permanent speed limits and the consultation summary, including the submissions can be found here(external link).
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