School zone extended for improved safety near Bathurst South Public
A 40 km/h school zone outside Bathurst South Public School will be extended by 100 metres to boost safety for all students, parents and road users in the area.
Transport for NSW conducted a speed zone review on Leena Street, South Bathurst at the request of the school community who raised concerns about increased traffic in the area.
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 the existing reduced speed limit be extended on Leena Street.
“Leena Street is managed by Bathurst Regional Council and previously functioned as a no-through road providing access to Bathurst South Public School and a council-owned art collection facility,” Ms Davies said.
“Last year council completed construction that opened Leena Street as a connecting road running between Havannah Street and Panorama Avenue, leading to an increase in traffic as the road now carries not only school traffic but also general through traffic.
“Leena Street is particularly busy during school drop-off and pick-up times with many children seeking to cross the road in a 50 km/h zone, raising safety concerns.”
The speed zone review determined that the existing 40 km/h school zone that runs for 50 metres on Leena Street from the intersection with Havannah Street should be extended by 100 metres, for a total of 150 metres.
The change will come into effect on Tuesday 14 October with new signage to be installed to advise motorists.
“The change will add just a few seconds to trips on Leena Street, a small price to pay for improved road safety for all users,” Ms Davies said.
A speed zone review is a comprehensive process that includes site inspections, analysis of the current road environment and road condition, consideration of crash data and traffic volumes.
Members of the community can sign up here to receive the latest updates on speed limits changes in their nominated area, to propose a speed zone review in their area, and to have their say on speed limits.