SH6 Nelson to Blenheim speed reduction decision next year

Friday, 6 December 2019

A flood of submissions means a decision on the speed limits between Nelson and Blenheim is unlikely before the new year. (File photo)

A decision on the proposed speed limit reduction on State Highway 6 between Nelson and Blenheim will likely happen next year.

Earlier this year Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) regional relationships South Island director Jim Harland told the Nelson City Council that the agency's objective was to have speed reductions 'in place round about Christmas'. The agency has proposed a reduction from 100kmh to 80kmh for the route.

NZTA systems manager Andrew James said on Thursday that more than 800 submissions on the proposal had been received and were being analysed which meant 'we are not likely to have a decision on the speed review until the New Year.'

A map of the NZTA's proposed speed reduction areas along State Highway 6 from Nelson to Blenheim.

* NZTA safe-speed calculator deems 100kmh appropriate for Renwick to Havelock on SH6

* NZTA moot 80kmh speed limit from Nelson to Blenheim**

'Speed limit changes follow a legal process with numerous steps we need to follow after the analysis of submissions.'

In a meeting of the regional transport committee earlier this week Harland was not able to give a definite timeline for when the decision or implementation would take place.

'There's been significant consultation between Blenheim and Nelson. We're considering that, and a decision will be made, maybe before Christmas and maybe not.

'We want to get it right and we've had a lot of submissions.'

He said the submissions ranged from wanting no changes at all through to completely agreeing with the NZTA's proposed reductions.

'Our experts are having a look at that and thinking it through.'