In an effort to save lives and reduce serious injuries, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is proposing safer speed limits on nine sections State Highway 1 between Taupō Airport and Turangi.
Acting Director of Regional Relationships Ross I’Anson says no matter what causes a crash, speed can be the difference between walking away or being carried away.
There were 293 crashes on this route between 2009 and 2018. Eleven people died, and 34 people were seriously injured. Making changes to speed limits is something we can do reasonably quickly to make the road safer for everyone.
Last month the Transport Agency asked communities and stakeholders what they thought about speeds on SH1 between Taupō Airport and Motuoapa and after hearing that people were concerned about speeds further south of Motuoapa, the speed review area was extended to Turangi.
“We had some great conversations and received some valuable insights that have helped us refine our initial proposals for the road,” says Mr I’Anson.
“Most people supported lowering speed limits through the settlements and at Motutere campground. The Waitahanui community was very concerned about speed outside the kura, so to help keep students safe we are proposing a 40km/h variable speed zone at pick up and drop times. This is in addition to the proposed lower permanent speed limit through the area.”
The Transport Agency is now formally consulting with stakeholders and the public on its proposals to change speed limits along SH1 between Taupō Airport and Turangi. Consultation runs from 25 October to 22 November 2019.
Feedback will be considered by the Transport Agency before it makes decisions on these proposed speed limit changes.
This speed review is part of the Safe Network Programme – a $1.4b programme delivering safety improvements on high-risk routes across New Zealand to make roads more forgiving of people’s mistakes. The programme focuses on safe roads and roadsides, safe and appropriate speeds, and safe rail level crossings.
| SH1 Taupō Airport to Turangi | Existing (km/h) |
Recommended (km/h) |
|---|---|---|
| 230m north of Anzac Memorial Dr, Taupō South to 660m north of Awhi Rd, Waitahanui | 100 | 80 |
| 660m north of Awhi Rd to 80m south of Wairau Ave, Waitahanui, with a 40km/h variable school speed zone during school drop off and pick up times | 70 | 60 (40 variable school speed zone) |
| 240m north of Rereahu Ave, Hatepe to 1.34km south of Te Heuheu Rd | 100 | 80 |
| 1.34km south of Te Heuheu Rd to 160m south of Waitapu Rd, Bulli Point | 100 | 60 |
| 160m south of Waitapu Rd, Motutere to 130m north of Rawhira Rd, Waitetoko | 100 | 80 |
| 130m north of Rawhira Rd, Waitetoko to 170m south of Oruatua Ave, Te Rangiita | 100, 70 | 60 |
| 140m north of Rangimoana Ave to 130m south of Parekarangaranga St, Motuoapa | 70 | 60 |
| 130m south of Parekarangaranga St, Motuoapa to 230m south of Waiotaka Rd, Turangi | 100 | 80 |
| 230m south of Waiotaka Rd to 330m south of Te Arahori St, Turangi | 80 | 60 |
Links to more information about speed management and the Safe Network Programme:
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