Get ready to slow down on Tapleys Hill Rd as speed limit cut

The speed limit on a busy western suburbs road will be cut from the end of the month.

The speed limit on Tapleys Hill Rd will be cut from 80km/h to 60km/h in the 3km section from Sir Donald Bradman Drive past the airport precinct, golf clubs and playing fields to Africaine Rd at West Beach from May 31.

The busy thoroughfare is a main arterial route connecting Adelaide’s north and south with an average traffic volume of 50,000 vehicles a day, including 2000 heavy vehicles.

Tapley’s Hill Rd speed limit to drop to 60km/h from May 31.

A West Torrens Council push to cut the speed limit was rejected by the Liberal state government in 2019 which noted the “minimal abutting roadside development,” and a similar council push was rejected by the previous Labor government.

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport and RAA conducted a review into the speed limit along this section of Tapleys Hill Road following concerns raised by the local community.

Officials say modelling found a reduced speed limit would not impact the overall travel time for motorists, but would reduce the risk of death or serious injury in the event of a crash.

The review also found vehicles were already travelling at 60km/h during the morning and evening weekday peaks due to congestion on the busy route.

Between 2018 and 2022 there were 118 crashes recorded on the road which resulted in 42 injuries. There have been three fatalities along this section of road since 2003.

Advance notice signs will be positioned along Tapleys Hill Rd between Africaine Rd and Sir Donald Bradman Drive to advise road users about the change.

Motorists are being asked by Transport officials to “pay attention to the signs in place showing the change.”

For more information see thinkroadsafety.sa.gov.au