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Shoalhaven speed limit changes

September 24, 2024 8:10 am in by

Motorists will experience safer journeys from next week with speed limit changes on the way for North Nowra, Bomaderry and Culburra Beach.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the speed zones were reviewed in consultation with NSW Police and local council and in accordance with the NSW Speed Zoning Standard.

“The speed zone will be reduced from 60 km/h to 50 km/h for the 1.5-kilometre length of Mcmahons Road from the intersection with Illaroo Road to the intersection with Rock Hill Road in North Nowra,” the spokesperson said.

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“The review of this speed zone was carried out following concerns raised by community members for the safety of motorists entering and exiting driveways.

“To improve the safety of road users, the review found 50 km/h was an appropriate speed due to the presence of pedestrians and cyclists in the residential area.

The reduction will result in a travel time increase of about 18 seconds.”

The spokesperson said the speed limit will be reduced from 60 km/h to 50 km/h for a 2.5-kilometre length of Bolong Road, from the Princes Highway to 100 metres east of Hanigans Lane.

Fixed speed cameras along this length will be updated to reflect the new reduced speed zone.

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“This speed zone review was requested by a local business who raised concerns regarding the safety of motorists and pedestrians in the area,” the spokesperson said.

“The review found 50 km/h to be the appropriate speed limit due to the high volume of pedestrians and cyclists in the area which is expected to increase as more workers move into the developing industrial area.

“The reduced speed limit will improve road user and intersection safety while increasing travel time by about 25 seconds.”

The spokesperson said the speed limit will be reduced from 100 km/h to 80 km/h fora 3.6-kilometre stretch of Culburra Road, from 180 metres east of Coonemia Road to 740 metres east of Strathstone Street at Culburra Beach.

“The review was requested by local residents over safety concerns given two fatal crashes resulting in three fatalities have occurred on this stretch in the past 10 years,” the spokesperson said.

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“Due to the crash history and the frequency of roadside hazards, the review found 80 km/h to be an appropriate speed. The reduction will result in a travel time increase of about 26 seconds.”

The spokesperson said factors considered when reviewing speed settings included crash history and the presence of vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, motorcyclists and bicycle riders, road function and use, roadside development, road characteristics and traffic mix.

“Streets are not just about moving people and goods – they also interact with places where people live, work and spend time.

All of these aspects are considered when setting new speed limits,” the spokesperson said. “Speed limits are set to ensure motorists travel at a safe and appropriate speed for the surrounding road environment, and to allow time for drivers travelling at the limit to detect a hazard and react quickly enough to brake or take evasive action.

“This reduces the risk of a crash occurring and means there’s a greater chance of any collision being survivable.”

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The speed zones will be installed at night from 22 September 2024, weather permitting.

Signs will be onsite to advise of the speed zone changes for one week prior to installation and one week after. Traffic control and reduced speed limits of 40 km/h will be in place for the safety of workers and road users while the new speed zone changes are being installed.

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.

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