Most of the changes, shown in this map, will involve reduced speed limits. Image: Transport for NSW.
Speed limits along several stretches of major southern NSW roads are being reduced after a safety review.
The review covered speed zones along Main Road 569, which includes Highland Way, Penrose Road and Exeter Road. It passes through Tallong, Wingello, Penrose, Exeter and Bundanoon.
A Transport for NSW (TfNSW) spokesperson said the speed changes would provide more consistency and improve safety along the narrow winding roads, taking into account roadside hazards and increased pedestrian and cyclist activity in the townships.
“Speed limits are set to ensure motorists travel at a safe and appropriate speed for the road environment, giving drivers travelling at the limit time to detect hazards and brake effectively,” the spokesperson said.
A speed zone review is a comprehensive process that includes site inspections, analysis of the current road environment and condition, and consideration of crash data and traffic volumes.
The speed limit will be reduced from 100 km/h to 80 km/h in sections along Highland Way, Penrose Road and Exeter Road between the Hume Highway at Marulan and the Illawarra Highway at Sutton Forest.
The speed limit will also be reduced from 60 km/h to 50 km/h for 1.4 kilometres along Exeter Road at Bundanoon, from Rosenthal Avenue to north of the intersection with Yuille Avenue.
There will also be minor extensions of the existing 50 km/h speed zones at Bundanoon, Penrose and Wingello.
New speed limit signs will be installed this month. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
According to TfNSW, there were 16 reported crashes between June 2019 and June 2024, a rate above that expected for rural/regional roads.
Ten of these crashes were on curves, with speed identified as a contributing factor.
Work to install new signs will begin on 18 May and is expected to take five days (weather permitting).
Motorists are advised to drive according to the conditions and follow the directions of traffic controls during the signage installation.
Electronic message signs will be in place two weeks before work starts and one week after the new speed limits take effect.
“Transport carried out the review in response to inconsistent speed limits in the area,” the spokesperson said.
”Local councils and state members were consulted throughout the process.
“The new speed limits will add about three minutes to travel time for motorists travelling the entire 43-kilometre route.”
