Lower speed limit on Mitchell Highway for safer trips through Lucknow

Motorists are advised that the speed limit for all vehicles travelling on the Mitchell Highway through Lucknow will be reduced to 50 km/h for the safety of all road users.
Transport for NSW conducted a speed zone review of a 1.17-kilometre section of the highway following requests from Orange City Council and local community members to determine if the existing 60 km/h speed limit was appropriate.
Transport for NSW Regional Director West Alistair Lunn said the review assessed a number of 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.
“The Mitchell Highway through Lucknow is an arterial road, with a mixture of residential and business premises beside the road,” Mr Lunn said.
“This section of road has had a significant crash history resulting in 16 injuries in the past five years, roughly twice the expected rate for similar roads.
“Consultation with local businesses and residents found they supported a reduced speed limit due to the growing popularity of Lucknow's shopping village, to boost safety for pedestrians and to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions with vehicles turning into side streets or businesses.
“The review considered all these factors and determined a 50 km/h speed limit should be introduced along the 1.17-kilometres section of highway as it passes through Lucknow.
“The lower speed limit will add about 14 seconds to the average journey through Lucknow, a minor change that will not adversely impact commuter or freight trips through the village.”
Lucknow Community Committee chair Councillor Jack Evans said local residents would welcome the reduced speed limit through their village.
“I acknowledge that it may be frustrating for people that commute that way every day but we also need to remember that this is a village where people live and operate their businesses,” Cr Evans said.
“So while the speed reduction may add a little time to people’s trips through Lucknow this will make it a lot safer for families and tourists who want to access those businesses and tourist attractions, and for people just wanting to use their village without fear of traffic speeding through.”
The reduced speed limit will come into effect on Thursday 21 March and new roadside signage will be installed to advise motorists of the change.
Members of the community can sign up here to receive the latest updates on speed limits changes in their nominated area and to have their say on speed limits.