Long-awaited speed reduction in Nelson just around the corner

Wednesday, 4 September 2019

State Highway 6 between Blenheim and Nelson has been reviewed for speed, and the stretch from Atawhain into Nelson will go to 80kmh by Christmas.

A dangerous stretch of road from Atawhai to Nelson is expected to have an 80kmh speed limit before next year.

Despite fears that the reduction could be years away, New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) regional relationships South Island director Jim Harland told Nelson's regional transport committee on Wednesday that the speed was expected to be implemented 'by Christmas'.

'You'll be pleased to know we have been working on that, and the Atawhai to Nelson, along with the whole corridor between Nelson and Blenheim has been subjected to a speed review,' Harland said.

'Our objective is to have the new speed limits in place round about Christmas, so that for the summer season people will be operating on more appropriate speed guidance from the system and enforcement from police, and the proposal as I understand it will include 80kmh from Atawhai into Nelson, which is something you've sought for a period of time so that's a good result.'

**READ MORE:

* Atawhai speed limit review under way

* Lowering your speed does save lives, NZTA says

* Call for speed limit cut at Atawhai as part of highway improvements**

There have been several serious or fatal crashes along the route. (File photo)

The 110km stretch of road between Nelson and Blenheim was identified by the NZTA as a priority for improvement in 2017 due to the number of serious or fatal accidents.

Between 2006 and 2016, 20 people died and 93 were seriously injured on the highway.

Five of those deaths occurred in the 100kmh stretch around Atawhai, which residents and the Nelson City Council have been asking NZTA to reduce the speed on for years.

Multiple accidents have happened in the area in this year, including one which saw five people hospitalised.

The speed reduction will not be immediate because the NZTA must first consult with interested parties such as the council and the police, and then with the public.

Harland couldn't confirm exactly where the speed limit would change, but said it would be in 'a logical place that makes sense'.

Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese said the move was 'excellent', and councillor Brian McGurk double-checked to confirm that Harland meant Christmas of this year.

Harland confirmed that the plan was to have everything done before the New Year.

'[We have] about 4 months to deliver. The signage change is the easiest thing to do in speed limit reviews,' he said.