Reduced speed limit for southbound traffic on Newell Highway south of Dubbo

The speed limit for southbound traffic on the Newell Highway on the southern outskirts of Dubbo will be reduced to 80 km/h for the safety of all road users.

Transport for NSW conducted a speed zone review of the Newell Highway near the Dubbo Zoo Town Information Bay Rest Area, south of Dubbo, where a large number of vehicles enter and exit daily, including heavy vehicles.

Transport for NSW Acting Executive Director Partnerships and Integration West Holly Davies 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.

“Currently the speed limit past the rest area along the Newell Highway is 80 km/h for northbound traffic and 110 km/h for southbound traffic,” Ms Davies said.

“The review recommended a speed limit reduction from 110 km/h to 80 km/h for all southbound traffic. The 80 km/h speed limit will be extended for 1.2 kilometres south of Obley Road and ending 70 metres south of Blackbutt Road.

“The speed limit for northbound traffic will not change.”

The speed limit change will add about 12 seconds to the average journey, a minor change that will deliver significant improvements for safety with no major impact on commuter or tourist trips through Dubbo.

The reduced speed limit will come into effect on Thursday 25 September 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.