The speed limit on the New England Highway (Ruthven Street) will be reduced from 70km/h to 60km/h to improve safety, thanks to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).
The change will extend the 60km/h zone on Ruthven Street by 700 metres, from near Freyling Park through to the southern side of Nelson Street, where the speed limit returns to 80km/h.
The change will apply to both southbound and northbound traffic. The New England Highway is a vital corridor that accommodates cars, heavy vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
The reduced speed limit is expected to lower the number and severity of crashes, improving safety for road users.
A speed limit review was undertaken by TMR following concerns from the local community requesting to reduce the speed limit on the busy stretch of highway.
“We’ve listened to the Toowoomba community’s concern about the safety of road users along Ruthven Street and have reduced the speed limit to 60km/h adjacent to Freyling Park to just south of Nelson Street,” TMR Bill Lansbury says.
“The Department of Transport and Main Roads is committed to road safety through providing a safe environment for all roads users and implementing safety initiatives to reduce the likelihood and severity of a crash.
“We urge all road users to observe the new speed limit and to always drive to conditions.”
The speed review process considers a range of factors such as road function, roadside environment, road construction standards, prevailing traffic speeds and crash history.
The reduction has been endorsed by the Speed Management Committee which includes representatives from the Queensland Police Service, local government and TMR.
The new signs are expected to be installed within the coming months, weather and other conditions permitting.