Council endorses safer speed limit at Rukuhia

A proposal to reduce the speed limit on a busy Rukuhia intersection to improve road safety has been supported by Waipā District Council.

At yesterday’s Service Delivery Committee meeting, the Council agreed to make a submission on the NZ Transport Agency’s speed limit review for the Raynes Road and SH21 Airport Road intersection.

The review prioritises high-risk areas and locations with significant public support. Within Waipā, this is the only road proposed for a speed limit review.

The proposal is to install an ‘Intersection Speed Zone’ (electronic sign) which will reduce the speed limit on SH21 Airport Road from 100km/h to an enforceable 60km/h when vehicles approach from Raynes Road.

Transport manager Bryan Hudson said it would be a great interim measure to improve road safety and lower the risk of crashes.

“There have been 10 crashes at the intersection in the past five years, two of which were serious,” he said.

Council’s Transport Strategy aims for a safer, more sustainable transport system in Waipā, with a goal to cut deaths and serious injuries by 40 percent by 2030.

"Managing traffic speeds, including on state highways, is a key part of achieving this," says Hudson.

There are long-term plans to have a roundabout at this intersection to support land development around the Airport.

NZ Transport Agency’s consultation for its State Highway speed limit review opened on Friday, August 22 and closes on Friday, October 3.