Waka Kotahi - NZTA is proposing to lower the speed limit through Rakaia township to 50km/h and Mid Canterbury residents are being urged to have their say on that and other changes in their Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan.

The national transport authority wants to lower the speed limit on State Highway 1 through Rakaia from 70km/h to 50km/h; and lower the speed limit north of Rakaia and over the river and rail bridges from 100km/h to 80km/h or 60km/h.

The other proposed changes are on State Highway 77.

The authority is proposing a 30km/h variable limit past Ashburton Borough School (related to school hours), and a 30km/h variable limit past Our Lady of the Snows primary school and Mt Hutt College in Methven.  It’s also proposed to lower the speed limit from Methven township to the new Opuke Thermal Hot Pools to 80km/h.

Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown urged Mid Canterbury residents to have their say during Waka Kotahi’s consultation, which will run for four weeks until 12 December.

“The speed limit through Rakaia has long been a concern for our local road safety committee and for Rakaia locals who struggle to get across the highway safely at times.

“The new hot pools in Methven have also created a lot of vehicle and foot traffic, and locals there have been lobbying for the limit on that stretch of road to be lowered from 100km/h.”

He said the proposed speed limits around schools were in line with changes Council wanted to make as part of its own draft Interim Speed Management Plan for the district.

Council’s draft plan attracted over 80 submissions and Council will be hearing verbal submissions on Wednesday 23 November.

“Waka Kotahi’s plan is about proposed changes to its highways, and Council’s plan is for its local roads. The aim is for everyone to be safe as they move around, whether they’re in a car, walking or cycling.

“Anyone who has an interest in the safety of our roads should take a look at Waka Kotahi’s plan and provide feedback.”

Details of the draft Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan (ISMP) can be found on Waka Kotahi’s website at www.nzta.govt.nz/ISMP