From Monday 20 December the speed limit of a 600m section of State Highway 2 in the Karangahake Gorge, between Crown Hill Road and school Road, will be temporarily reduced to 50km/h.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says the short-term reduction from the normal 80km/h speed limit is being put in place to ensure the safety of motorists, as well as people walking and cycling through the popular Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway area during the busy summer holiday period and will remain in place over the Christmas/New Year break, when holiday traffic is at its peak.
The reduced speed limit area covers the State Highway 2/Crown Hill Road intersection, as well as access to the Karangahake Reserve, close to starting points for popular walks in the area. Slower speeds through this area will help provide road users time to recognise and react to the environment.
Earlier this year, Waka Kotahi engaged with local communities on speed limits through the Karangahake Gorge. A majority of the community feedback was in favour of speed reductions for the safety of all users. A formal consultation on speed reductions on State Highway 2 from Mangatarata to Katikati (including Karangahake Gorge) will take place in 2022.
With the summer holiday period approaching Waka Kotahi reminds road users to plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable summer journey using our holiday and real time journey planner tools. With increased traffic volumes it is important to drive to the conditions, allow plenty of time and take regular breaks to stay alert.
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