Lower speed limits in Narrabri town centre to boost pedestrian safety

The speed limit on the main street running through the Narrabri town centre will be reduced to create a safer environment for pedestrians and motorists.

Transport for NSW conducted a review of an 880-metre section of Maitland Street between the Newell Highway and Bowen Street to determine if a High Pedestrian Activity Area (HPAA) should be established.

Transport for NSW Acting Regional Director West Holly Davies said the review had been requested by Narrabri Shire Council to improve pedestrian amenity and safety.

“The review length of Maitland Street forms the CBD of Narrabri and includes a typical mix of retail businesses, grocery shops, restaurants and hotels, gym, bowling club and accommodation,” Ms Davies said.

“Landscaping upgrades that have been progressively implemented along Maitland Street have improved the general public convenience and while heavy vehicles are not allowed in this area of town, traffic studies show it is still a very busy area with about 2500 vehicles a day passing through.

“The review considered a number of factors including the existing road environment, existing road use and the number of cross streets within the review area and determined that the introduction of a High Pedestrian Activity Area and a speed limit reduction from 50 km/h to 40 km/h would boost safety for all road users and pedestrians in the area.”

Ms Davies said the change would add less than a minute to journeys for vehicles travelling through the Narrabri town centre but would deliver a significant safety boost for all pedestrians and motorists.

The new speed limits will come into effect on Friday 25 July and new signage will be installed to advise motorists and pedestrians of the changes.

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.