Motorists are set to benefit from safer journeys around Crystal Creek with speed limits being reduced on Numinbah, Crooks Valley and Chilcotts roads, west of Murwillumbah.
Transport for NSW recently initiated a review of the speed limit following concerns raised from Byron Shire Council and the local police regarding the existing 80km/h speed limit through Crystal Creek and over Korns Bridge.
The speed limit will be reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h on a 1.2 kilometre section of Numinbah Road from 450 metres east of Crooks Valley Road to 200 metres west of Korns Bridge, on a one kilometre section of Crooks Valley Road south from Numinbah Road and on a 630 metre section of Chilcotts Road south from Numinbah Road.
The changes are expected to add up to 18 seconds in travel time.
There have been no fatalities on these roads in the past five years of reported crash data.
The speed zone review was carried out to ensure speed limits are in line with the NSW Speed Zoning Standard, applying the Safe System Approach.
The Safe System approach has been adopted by all Australian jurisdictions to support road safety outcomes in jurisdictional and national road safety action plans.
Installation of the new speed zone signage will start in the coming weeks and will be carried out on Crooks Valley, Numinbah and Chilcotts roads.
Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.
Safety a priority
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the safety of motorists and community members is the top priority for Transport for NSW. ‘Signage will be used to advise motorists as the new speed limit changes come into effect and will remain in place for a short period of time after the speed zone change occurs.
‘Streets are not just about moving people and goods – they also interact with places where people live, work and spend time. All of these aspects are considered when setting new speed limits.
‘Speed limits are set to ensure motorists travel at a safe and appropriate speed for the surrounding road environment, and to allow time for drivers travelling at the limit to detect a hazard and react quickly enough to brake or take evasive action.
‘We thank the community for its understanding.’
A speed zone review can be proposed by anyone including local councils, police or residents using the Safer Roads portal.
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