In response to a request from the local community, Transport for NSW has recently completed a speed zone review on Whian Whian Road from Dunoon Road to the end of Whian Whian Road, to consider the appropriateness of the existing 100 km/h speed limit. This review has been completed in accordance with the NSW Speed Zoning Guidelines.
Please note the default speed limit of 100 km/h currently applies on the basis that this road has not previously been subject to a formal speed zone assessment. Whilst technically the 100 km/h limit applies, there are no existing speed signs and average speeds are well below this limit. It is considered unlikely that the regular users of this road have an expectation that they can drive at 100 km/h.
I can confirm that the review has resulted in reduction of the existing speed limit to 60 km/h.
The key reasons for the changes are:
- At present Whian Whian Road is a default 100 km/h speed limit with no speed limit signs currently installed.
- Whian Whian Road is a local road providing access to the village of Whian Whian, the public school and areas of rural residential development. It also provides access to the Whian Whian Falls.
- The road pavement width is narrow and the road surface is gravel from 300 m north of the village and public school.
- Whian Whian Falls is a popular attraction during weekends and school holidays. Vehicles are parked on both sides of the road near the falls which creates a safety issues for passing vehicles and pedestrians wishing to access the falls.
- This road is also conducive to a lower speed limit due to topography, numerous curves and the numbers of rural accesses.
The change in speed zone will add around 3 minutes of additional travel time based on a vehicle travelling at 100 km/h, however it is noted that it is considered highly unlikely that any vehicles are safely travelling above 60 km/h.
Lismore City Council staff have been advised of the review and support the recommendation.
