A section of the Sturt Highway in NSW’s far south-west will have its speed limit reduced from the current 50 km/h to 40 km/h, effective Monday June 24.
This new 40km/h High Pedestrian Activity Area (HPAA) speed limit will come into play through the centre of Balranald, in a bid to improve safety for pedestrians and motorists.
Transport for NSW regional director west Alistair Lunn said the new 40 km/h speed limit follows close consultation with Balranald Shire Council in early 2023 and more recently consultation with the family of seven-year-old William Ellis who was tragically killed on Market Street in December last year after being struck by a vehicle.
“Transport for NSW carried out a speed zone review of the precinct, in accordance with the state speed zoning standards, with the main focus on slowing vehicle movements to improve safety for pedestrians, particularly heavy vehicles,” Lunn said.
“The Sturt Highway turns into Market Street which forms the town’s CBD, and it contains several shops, hotels and licensed venues on both sides of the highway.
“Balranald is an important agricultural route between NSW and Victoria and with no viable heavy vehicle alternative route available, there are regular heavy vehicle movements through the CBD.
The speed zone change will encompass 750 metres of Market Street from 50 metres southeast of Bank Street to 90 metres northeast of We Street. It will also incorporate short sections of We, Mayall, River and Bank streets.