Reduced speed limit for Olympic Highway at Cartwrights Hill
Motorists will soon experience safer journeys on the Olympic Highway north of Wagga Wagga, with the speed limit set to be reduced next month following a route safety review.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said from Monday 8 April, the speed limit will drop from 100 km/h to 80 km/h along a section of the Olympic Highway from 300 metres north of the Coolamon Road roundabout to 300 metres south.
“A review of the speed limit on the Olympic Highway was carried out to improve safety at the intersection of the Olympic Highway, Coolamon Road and Horseshoe Road at Cartwrights Hill,” the spokesperson said.
“The route safety review identified multiple approaches to improve road safety along the full length of the highway. Recent work has involved installing safety barriers, road widening and roadside hazard removal to reduce road trauma.
“The investigation revealed the Olympic Highway and Coolamon Road roundabout is the only roundabout along the whole length of the highway that currently has a posted speed limit of 100 km/h. In addition, new speed zone standards require all roundabouts to be located within speeds zones that are 80 km/h or less.
“Reducing the speed limit by 20 km/h will place road users in a better position to safely enter and exit the roundabout.”
The spokesperson said the review also assessed a number of factors including crash history, road geometry, road usage, adjacent development, traffic mix and volume, and the number of access points.
“Between 2015 and 2019 there were seven reported crashes at this intersection.
“The new speed limit will address the high crash rate at the intersection caused by drivers speeding through the roundabout. The new lower speed limit will allow more time for drivers to safely approach the roundabout and will reduce impact forces if there is a crash.
“This new speed limit will provide a safer road for all road users with minimal increase to journey times.”
The speed zone change will also include the installation of gateway treatments including upgraded speed zone signage and painting the speed zone on the road surface to clearly indicate the change in speed to road users.
Work to install signs will be carried out between 9.30am and 2.30pm on Monday 8 April, weather permitting.
Single lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be in place during work for the safety of workers and motorists.
Message boards will be onsite one week before and one week following the speed zone reduction, to notify motorists of the changed speed limit.