A proposal to lower the speed limit on Mt Darragh Rd is not yet finalised, but is already causing plenty of consternation among Far South Coast locals.
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The road that stretches around 50km between South Pambula and Cathcart has been the site of numerous crashes and fatalities in recent years.
According to Roads and Maritime Services, 42 crashes, with six deaths and 11 serious injuries over six years has prompted an assessment of the "black spot" and speed zones "following safety concerns raised by the community and Bega Valley Shire Council".
It's believed the proposed changes would see the speed limit on Mount Darragh Rd reduced from 100kmh to 80kmh, remaining 50kmh through Wyndham and reduced to 60 up the mountain.
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An RMS spokesperson said the assessment "provides recommendations to reduce the speed of certain sections on Mount Darragh Rd due to an adverse crash history and the road environment".
"Currently, the recommendations are not confirmed and any plans for implementation are subject to gaining final approval," RMS told Australian Community Media this week.
As the responsible authority for setting speed zones in NSW, RMS said it consults with local councils, NSW Police and local members during any speed zone review process prior to implementing changes.
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An RMS spokesperson said when assessing speed zones various factors are considered.
"These include, but are not limited to, the road function, roadside development, frequency of property accesses, pedestrian and cyclist usage, travel speeds, traffic characteristics and crash history."
During the five-year period 2013-2017 there were 37 crashes recorded as occurring on Mount Darragh Rd between Princes Hwy, South Pambula and Prior St, Cathcart. These crashes resulted in four people being killed and 29 people being injured, including 11 people seriously injured.
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Preliminary data from 2018 reports four crashes, resulting in one person being killed and two people being injured, at the same location.
One fatality has also been recorded to date in 2019.
To provide feedback on road safety on Mount Darragh Rd the community can contact Roads and Maritime at southernprojects@rms.nsw.gov.au.
"The community will be kept informed as plans progress. Members of the community can sign up at the Safer Roads NSW website to receive updates about changes to permanent speed limits in their nominated area and have their say on speed limits.
"Following finalisation of feedback, plans will be developed to implement any speed zone changes."
Do you think dropping the speed limit is the answer to Mt Darragh Rd's horror crash history? Have your say. Send us a Letter to the Editor below
Ben Smyth
I have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula and Eden
I have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula and Eden
