Motorists’ will endure a safer journey on the Newell Highway on the southern outskirts of Dubbo, with the speed limit for southbound traffic reducing to 80 km/h.
A speed zone review of the Newell Highway south of Dubbo was conducted by Transport for NSW, where many vehicles enter and exit daily, including heavy vehicles.
Transport for NSW executive director partnerships and integration Holly Davies says the review assessed several factors including location, crash history, road environment, the number of access points, road usage, traffic mix and traffic volumes and recommended a speed reduction for all users.
“Currently the speed limit past the rest area along the Newell Highway is 80 km/h for northbound traffic and 110 km/h for southbound traffic,” she says.
“The review recommended a speed limit reduction from 110 km/h to 80 km/h for all southbound traffic. The 80 km/h speed limit will be extended for 1.2 kilometres south of Obley Road and ending 70 metres south of Blackbutt Road.
“The speed limit for northbound traffic will not change.”
The speed limit change will add about 12 seconds to the average journey, a minor change that will deliver significant improvements for safety with no major impact on commuter or tourist trips through Dubbo.
The reduced speed limit will come into effect on Thursday September 25 and new roadside signage will be installed to advise motorists of the change.