New permanent speed limit for SH6 through Luggate township

2 MinutesBy NZ Trucking magazineOctober 16, 2020

The NZ Transport Agency has set a new permanent speed limit on SH6, through Luggate, Otago, to take effect in a month‘s time.

The speed limit through Luggate township at each end will drop from 70kph to 50kph, connecting with the existing 50kph limit through the middle of the town. This change will be in force from Friday 13 November. 

The current 70kph limits at either end are being replaced with the safer speed 50kph limit through the whole town, slowing traffic over a much wider area (see map below).

The additional areas of highway dropping to 50kph through Luggate – 450 metres at the northern, Wanaka side and 350 metres on the southern, Cromwell approach. 

Luggate, 15km east of Wanaka, has expanded residential developments in recent years as the popularity of Queenstown Lakes District and Wanaka has fuelled growth in the district‘s small towns. In 2018, the average daily vehicle count was 2600 per day, up 40% on four years earlier. Many drivers also travel to and from Wanaka from Cromwell. 

NZTA consulted with the community and transport partners at the end of 2019 on the proposed Luggate speed review, with 60 submissions received. 

The new speed limit aims to improve safety and prevent needless deaths and serious injuries, says NZTA director of regional relationships Jim Harland. 

“No crash resulting in death or serious injury is acceptable, so it‘s important we take every opportunity to address the risk. Fewer crashes will also mean fewer closures, which will increase the reliability of this important transport route,” Harland says. 

Queenstown Lakes District Deputy Mayor and Wanaka resident Callum McLeod said it was a splendid outcome. 

“The Luggate community have been working with NZTA towards this goal for many years. Luggate is predominately a residential, family-friendly settlement. Extending the 50kph zone will undoubtedly improve safety. I am delighted to say a huge thank you to the NZTA on their behalf.” 

New speed limit signs will be installed ahead of the change taking legal effect on Friday 13 November.

Facebook
YouTube
LinkedIn
Instagram