New speed limits are set to come into force between Masterton and Featherston from 27 January 2023.

Waka Kotahi is making the changes after conducting public consultation in mid-2021 as part of its ongoing strategy to reduce the road toll and make local roads safer.

In South Wairarapa the key changes will be:

• Graduated speed limits between 30km/h and 50km/h in Greytown and Featherston
• A reduction of the open road speed limit from 100km/h to 80km/h on State Highway 2 between Featherston and Masterton.

Speed limits outside schools will be reduced around the start and end of the school day.

Waka Kotahi says the changes to the open road speed limit is a move to reduce the frequency and severity of crashes. Between January 2010 and December 2019, there were 488 reported crashes on State Highway 2 between Masterton and Featherston. Four people were killed, and 28 were seriously injured.

The changes to the speed limits around Greytown and Featherston are as follows:

Greytown:

• 550 m north-east of Hupenui Road to 50 m north-east of North Street – 70 km/h
• 50m north-east of North Street to 40 m northeast of the SH2 / Kuratawhiti Street / Jellicoe Street intersection – 50 km/h
• 40 m northeast of the SH2 / Kuratawhiti Street / Jellicoe Street intersection to the SH2 / Wood Street / Church Street intersection – 40 km/h
• SH2 / Wood Street / Church Street intersection to 85 m southwest of Bidwills Cutting Road – 50 km/h
• 85 m southwest of Bidwills Cutting Road to 35 m east of Boundary Road. Current passing lanes become slow vehicle lanes with wide centreline – 80 km/h

Featherston:

• 35 m east of Boundary Road to 45 m west of the SH2 / Birdwood Street / Lyon Street intersection – 50 km/h
• 45 m west of the SH2 / Birdwood Street / Lyon Street intersection to 30 m west of the SH2 / Wakefield Street / Bethune Street intersection – 40 km/h
• 30 m west of the SH2 / Wakefield Street / Bethune Street intersection to 120 m west of Renall Street – 50 km/h

Waka Kotahi received over 1,300 pieces of feedback from stakeholder organisations and the public during the consultation period.

More information on the permanent speed limits and Waka Kotahi’s consultation summary, including the submissions, can be found at www.nzta.govt.nz/wairarapa-safe-speeds.