Speed limit cut from 60 to 40km/h along parts of Kensington Rd under $15m draft master plan

The speed limit along parts of one of Adelaide’s busiest roads would be cut to 40km/h under new plans to make it more “welcoming”. Take our poll.

An artist impression of Kensington Rd, Adelaide, looking east, under the proposed masterplan for the area.

The speed limit along parts of upper Kensington Rd would be cut from 60 to 40km/h under a $15m plan to create a “socially connected, vibrant, safe and welcoming” Marryatville precinct.

Footpaths would also be widened, on-street parking removed and trees planted in the middle of Kensington Rd around Shipsters Rd and Tusmore Ave under the draft master plan by Burnside and NPSP councils – whose boundary is along Shipsters Rd.

Council documents show the 40km/h speed limit would start at a “village heart” near High St, and continue along a raised threshold, with the road surface changed to bricks.

A landscaped median strip would planted with “large feature trees” dow the middle of the roadway.

The 40km/h section would continue to May Tce, with all parking along Kensington Rd cut.

About 13 car parks would be lost in total, with a focus on more parking on Uxbridge St, with e-vehicle charging points – but about 33 new parks could be introduced at the Regal Theatre.

The plans highlight the “opportunity” to remove on-street parking in high traffic areas and introduce parking restrictions.

An artist impression of Shipsters Road, Adelaide, looking towards Kensington Road, under the proposed masterplan for the area.

Can’t see the full plans? Go here

Kensington Rd would drop to one lane at High St for east-bound traffic.

The plan says Kensington Rd lacks pedestrian connections between business on either side of the street.

“Key consideration is also the predominantly car-dependant community,” the report says.

“Parking is an issue for the precinct, with many people parking at Regal Theatre and crossing the road rather than navigating Kensington Rd.

“This has been further exacerbating issues experienced by local residents with overflow parking from the Regal Theatre causing greater pressure and disruptions for side streets.”

More trees would be planted along the verge, footpaths widened, power lines placed underground and cycling slip lanes and ramps built.

The council report estimated a total construction cost of $15.5m, split between the two councils, and up to $800,000 for detailed designs.

Public feedback was “mixed”, council staff said, with about 200 people surveyed and 72 per cent supporting the master plan to varying degrees.

Burnside CEO Chris Cowley said a city-wide master plan highlighted the need to revitalise the area and created opportunities for improved greening, tree canopy, streetscapes, traffic and parking.

“The master plan will ensure any future development in the area is planned, purposeful and complementary, while also providing a basis for scheduling works in a financially sustainable manner and making future funding applications,” he said.

Opinions were split on the speed limit cut, with 27 supporting it and nine not. Some respondents believed the 40km/h limit should extend down to the high school.

The state government announced plans for 40km/h limits around Marryatville High in June during school drop-off and pick-up times.

Two children were struck outside the school after truck driver Sang Van Huynh ran a red light.

A request for bike lanes was rejected, as was a scramble crossing, a 50km/h limit, and keeping car parks.

The draft plan notes “it is understood that this project has a lot of political attention and sensitivities with local residents”.

“Safety around Marryatville High School is of particular interest following an incident in early 2023,” it says.

“The project team is to investigate opportunities to calm traffic near the school, with NPSP open to pursuing discussions with the school regarding fence locations to widen footpaths if required.”