Burkes Pass is a town on State Highway 8 at the entrance to the scenic South Island’s Mackenzie District. It’s a popular point to stop and take a break from driving.
Previously, this meant visitors and residents in the heritage town were often crossing the highway in a high-speed zone of 80km/h. Now, having worked closely with the Burkes Pass community and local road user groups, speeds through the town are safer for all road users.
In September 2020, the decision was made to reduce the speed from 80km/h to 60km/h through Burkes Pass and increase road signage to improve visibility to motorists of the new speed.
Road to Zero - NZ’s road safety strategy