Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has confirmed new permanent speed limits for SH3 Napier Road between Palmerston North and Ashhurst.

Proposed speed limit changes were consulted on in April and May this year after a review found the current speed limits were not safe or appropriate for the road.

The new speed limits include 80kph from 20m north of Sutton Place in Palmerston North to 130m east of Stoney Creek Road, 60kph in the Ashhurst township from 350m east of Hacketts Road to 500m south of Cambridge Avenue, and 80kph from 500m south of Cambridge Avenue to 160m northwest of SH57.

A variable speed zone will also be installed outside Whakarongo School, using electronic speed signs to activate a 60kph speed limit during peak school traffic times.

The new limits take effect Thursday 23 June 2022.

“Too many people have been killed or seriously injured on this stretch of road and there is community support for safer speed limits to prevent more tragedies,” said director regional relationships Linda Stewart.

Between 2011-2020, there were three people killed and 80 injured in crashes on this stretch of state highway.

Stewart said the new speed limits are the first of a range of actions that will make this stretch of SH3 safer.

“As well as lowering these speed limits we’re also designing safety improvements between Keith Street and Stoney Creek Road, including new traffic signals and improved walking and cycling facilities,” she said.

Construction of the infrastructure improvements is expected to begin next year, subject to funding approval.