A section of the Princes Highway at South Bega, NSW, will have its speed limit reduced by 20km/h from next week.
A Transport for NSW (TfNSW) spokesperson said a 2km section of the highway will be reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h from 220m north of Newtown Road to 300m south of Max Slater Drive to reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes.
“The speed zone reduction is recommended due to the potential for right-angle crashes at the intersections with Newtown Road, Kerrisons Lane and Max Slater Drive,” the spokesperson said.
“The reduction was also recommended based on a high casualty rate at the location.
“The last five years of validated crash data recorded five crashes within the area resulting in three people suffering serious injuries, three moderately injured and two people with minor injuries.”
The speed zone change is estimated to add 28 seconds to travel times.
TfNSW said the speed zone review was initiated in response to concerns tabled for discussion at the Bega Valley Shire Local Traffic Committee, with several stakeholders, including NSW Police, bus operators, the school and local residents raising various safety issues at this location.
Work to install the new signage will be carried out on Tuesday, February 18.
Electronic message boards will be on site one week prior to the speed zone change to provide advance warning of the change and will remain in place for two weeks after.