Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is reducing speed limits on State Highway 1 (SH1) in North Canterbury to help keep people safer on our roads.
New permanent speed limits from SH1 Waikuku to Lineside Road will come into effect from Tuesday, 15 December 2020.
“No crash resulting in death or serious injury is acceptable, so it’s important we take every opportunity to address the risk,” Waka Kotahi Director of Regional Relationships Jim Harland says.
Between August and September 2019, Waka Kotahi consulted 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 SH1.
“This route is one of the most notorious roads in Canterbury,” says Mr Harland. “In the ten years from 2009 to 2018, six people were killed and 33 were seriously injured in crashes on the road.
“This route is key to accessing Christchurch and lowering speed limits is the most immediate and effective action we can take to help prevent deaths and serious injuries,” he says.
No matter what causes a crash, speed always affects the severity of crash outcomes. Put simply, the speed of impact can be the difference between walking away or being carried away from a crash, says Mr Harland.
“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.”
There are no speed limit changes from 220m south of Cam River bridge to the Lineside Road interchange as construction of a median barrier on this section and further south to Tram Road is to come. Taking into consideration this upcoming project, a revised technical assessment of this section supports 100km/h as a safe and appropriate speed for the road.
These permanent speed limit changes follow engagement with the Police, the AA, other road industry organisations, and consultation with the public.
From 15 December 2020, the permanent speed limits are:
| Location | Existing speed limits | New speed limits from 15 December 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Waikuku township From 130m north of Waikuku Beach Rd, Waikuku to 210m south of Gressons Rd, Waikuku |
100km/h and 80km/h | 60km/h |
| South end of Waikuku township to Pegasus From 210m south of Gressons Rd to 270m north of Pegasus Blvd |
100km/h | 80km/h |
| South end of Woodend township to Pineacres From 140m south of Rangiora Woodend Rd to 220m south of the Cam River Bridge. |
100km/h | 80km/h |
| Pineacres intersection From 185m north to 220m south of Williams Street. |
100km/h and variable 70km/h | 80km/h and variable 60km/h |
| South of Pineacres intersection to Lineside Road interchange From 220m south of the Cam River Bridge to Lineside Road. |
100km/h | No change |
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