The speed limit on Smith Street in Kaiapoi will be reduced to accommodate the growing Waimak Junction Business Park.
The Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Community Council this week supported a proposal to lower the speed limit from 80 km/h to 50 km/h on the narrow stretch of road between the southbound highway on the ramp and the existing 50 km/h sign, 90 meters to the east.
Joanne McBride, road and transport manager for Waimakariri District Council, said the speed limit change was necessary to improve safety.
The Waimak Junction Business Park is expanding, with the planned opening of a Countdown supermarket, alongside Placemakers, Bunnings, Miter 10, Briscoes and other retailers, expected to significantly increase traffic volume.
But board members questioned why the speed limit was not reduced from Revells Road, including the Smith Street highway over the bridge, which was under the jurisdiction of Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency.
Deputy Mayor Neville Atkinson said the bridge section of the road, with four entry points, was more dangerous and suggested that “piecemeal” changes to speed limits were confusing to motorists.
“I don’t see the point in changing this two or three times. It’s just nonsensical. We have to change it all at once.”
Ms McBride said city officials had approached Waka Kotahi, but the agency had no plans to lower the speed limit on the section of Smith Street under its jurisdiction.
“The traffic lights are going in and we’re running out of time with development progress, so we need to finish it now.” Developer Jedd Pearce said the reduction of the speed limit on Smith Street is long overdue.
He said construction of the Countdown supermarket, the largest development on the site, is expected to be completed by the end of October.
“It will be good for Kaiapoi and create a lot of employment. “I’m really looking forward to seeing it. We are trying to catch up with Rangiora.”
Council staff completed the consultation in November and found that 52 per cent of respondents supported the speed limit change, while 48 per cent opposed it.
Board chairman Jackie Watson supported the speed limit change. “I think it’s time we changed this speed limit.
“I’ve spoken to quite a few people who didn’t even know it was coming, but they said sometimes it’s impossible to get out of Tunas Street.”
Waka Kotahi regional relations director James Caygill said his organization worked closely with other road control authorities when speed limits were revised.
“We will continue to consider how road authorities plan to deal with local roads connecting to state highways as the State Highway Speed Management Plan is developed and we will do our best wherever possible to ensure that those plans stay in line.”
The council will now write to Waka Kotahi to change the speed limit under the Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2022.
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