Media release – Commissioner for Transport, 18 October 2024
Speed limit change for West Tamar Highway, Riverside and Trevallyn
The Commissioner for Transport has approved a speed limit change for the West Tamar Highway through Riverside and Trevallyn following an assessment by the Department of State Growth.
The existing 70 km/h speed limit will be reduced to 60 km/h for a 4.3-kilometre section of the highway between Cormiston Road, Riverside and Deans Lane, Trevallyn which includes the section known as Elouera Street.
The decision to reduce the speed limit is based on the high crash history for this section of the highway. The road also runs through a heavily built-up residential area which contains many driveways and narrow kerbside parking lanes, as well as shops, schools, and a service station.
The new speed limit will reduce the risk of crashes and improves safety for both road users and pedestrians. Research shows that even small reductions in operating speeds can result in considerable safety benefits.
The change will add about 37 seconds to current travel times.
The speed limit was reviewed as part of the Department of State Growth’s West Tamar Highway Corridor Improvement Plan, which identified a review of speed limits in this area as an improvement opportunity. The department has also received requests from members of the local community, expressing safety concerns for this section of the highway, including Elouera Street, which is located within the area of the reduced speed limit.
The changed speed limit will come into effect once the new speed limit signs have been installed, which is expected to be during the week starting Monday, 21 October 2024. ‘New speed limit ahead’ signs will also be placed to warn road users of the change.
Road users are reminded to follow the posted speed limits and always drive to the conditions.
Batman Highway speed limit change at Sidmouth
The Commissioner for Transport has approved a speed limit reduction for a section of the Batman Highway through Sidmouth following a community request and assessment by the Department of State Growth.
The existing 80 km/h speed limit which covers about 800 m through the town will be reduced to 70 km/h.
Reducing the speed limit to 70 km/h will provide safer access to and from the highway for residents and businesses along this section and make it safer for pedestrians and vehicles visiting the service station and general store.
Research shows that even small reductions in operating speeds can result in considerable safety benefits.
The decision took into account upgrades to this section of the highway and a 70 km/h speed limit is appropriate under the Tasmanian Speed Zoning Guidelines for a rural hamlet.
The reduction should add less than five seconds to current travel times through this section of road and is consistent with the Tasmanian Speed Zoning Guidelines for a town of this size.
The changed speed limit will come into effect once the new speed limit signs have been installed at the completion of current roadworks, which is expected to be in the coming week. ‘New speed limit ahead’ signs will also be placed to warn road users of the change.
