Safer Roads Pursued with Proposed Speed Limit Changes
Several proposed speed limit changes have been discussed with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) and are now being recommended for formal application for implementation.
Speed limits are set by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport having regard to factors such as road function, abutting roadside development and road and traffic characteristics.
Mt Barker Council’s General Manager Infrastructure, Phil Burton said, “Roadside development plays a crucial role in setting speed zones, with safety for all road users our top priority.”
“Recognising the need for proactive speed limit adjustments to accommodate future development, DIT is now endorsing this approach to minimise frequent speed limit changes as areas develop,” Mr Burton said.
Proposed changes have received in-principle support from DIT after thorough assessment and address safety concerns on a number of roads in the Mt Barker township.
Barker Road between Hunt Road and Heysen Boulevard is currently an unsealed road with a default limit of 100 km/h. The road poses safety concerns related to vehicle speed, dust emissions, and pedestrian and cyclist safety. Upon completion of road sealing, a 60km/h speed limit is proposed.
Bald Hills Road (Springs Road south to the existing 50km/h zone) is a crucial frontage road serving the Laratinga Wetlands, the new ambulance station, and the Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre. It is proposed to lower the speed limit from 80km/h to 60km/h based on the 2023 update to the Speed Limit Guideline for South Australia.
Paech Road, north from Potts Road, the full length of Potts Road, and 250 metres of Yunkunga Road approaching Paech Road have been identified as needing lower speed limits due to urban growth in the surrounding areas. Currently, these roads have higher speed limits, and the proposal is to reduce them to 60km/h.
The Council will now prepare formal documents for submission to DIT outlining the proposed location and extent of speed zone changes and anticipated traffic impacts.
The implementation of the speed limit changes are expected to take up to18 months, subject to DIT's approval and progress of land development and other associated road works.
