New speed limits for Karangahake and Waihī ahead of holiday travel

The Waihī 100km/h speed limit sign. Photo / NZTA

New speed limits will be introduced in Karangahake and Waihī after a recent speed review was undertaken by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

Three short sections of State Highway 2 will have lower speed limits in place before Christmas.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) regional relationships director for Waikato and Bay of Plenty, Andrew Corkill, said the consultation process ran for six weeks and showed mixed views.

He said the process highlighted strong community support for safer speeds, especially near busy intersections and local facilities.

“We received 271 submissions for Karangahake and 217 for Waihī consultations. In Waihī, many submitters supported the proposed lowering of speed up to the busy Dean Crescent intersection where there’s often a significant volume of heavy vehicles and vehicles towing trailers,” Corkill said.

“Hauraki District Council were very supportive of the changes,” Corkill said, pointing out that the Refuse Transfer Station down Dean Crescent attracts significant local traffic having to exit what looks like an urban intersection on to a 100km/h highway.

While 57% of Karangahake submitters had concerns about the change of speed, he said many agreed a lower speed limit would help people navigate the tricky nature of the road, making it easier to access car parks and cross the road safely.

The speed limit changes have been certified by the Director of Land Transport.

This follows six weeks of public consultation with partners, stakeholders and the community from August to October this year.

The enforcement of the new speed limits will become legal once the new signage is in place, NZTA said.

The new limits affect the following stretches of road:

SH2 Karangahake, near Albert Street to west of Waitawheta Road (2.8km), will drop from 80km/h to 60km/h.

SH2 Waihī/Parry Palm Avenue, near the SH2/Martin Road/Baber Street intersection to near Orchard Road (950m), will drop from 70km/h to 60km/h.

SH2 Waihī/Parry Palm Avenue, near Orchard Road to near Dean Crescent (850m), will drop from 100km/ to 60km/h.

The signage will be installed as soon as possible, at which time the new speed limits will become enforceable.

More information on the permanent speed limits and consultation summaries can be found on the NZTA website.