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Speed limits lowered

Posted on 22 December, 2016

Speed limits have been lowered on some areas along the alternative Picton to Christchurch route. According to the NZ Transport Agency, state highways 7, 65, 6 and 63 all have new speed limits, in order to keep everyone using the road safe. “The alternative route is challenging to drive and since the Kaikōura earthquake, the volume of vehicles travelling this route has quadrupled." says Frank Porter, highway manager for the Transport Agency. He says speed limits had been lowered from 100km/h to 80 km/h to improve safety on sections where the road is windy and narrow for more than two kilometres. Speed limits will also be reduced at key intersections, particularly where there is an increase in right turning traffic, including heavy vehicles and campervans. To improve safety for people living in communities along the alternative route, speed limits through all the townships and villages along the route will be a maximum of 60 km/h. Existing speed limits of 50km/h will not change. New signage will be installed at all schools along the route to indicate a 40 km/h speed limit when children are present. Between Blenheim and Renwick the speed limit is lowered to 80km/h with a reduction to 50km/h at the east of Renwick. This simplifies a mixture of speed limits through this area and with increased traffic will enhance safety along the route and at intersections. “There is increased traffic between Blenheim and Woodbourne and at peak hours in particular, safety along this stretch is paramount,” says Porter. “Lowering travel speeds to 80km/h will add very little to the journey time but will increase safety for everyone.”