Woodville Rd speed limit drops from 60km/h to 50km/h to revitalise strip

Messenger West: WOODVILLE Rd traders have welcomed the lowering of the street's speed limit to 50km/h, as a first step towards revitalising the strip.

WOODVILLE Rd traders have welcomed the lowering of the street's speed limit to 50km/h, as a first step towards revitalising the tired strip.

From this week, the speed limit along Woodville Rd between Port Rd and Torrens Rd will drop from 60km/h to 50km/h.

LJ Hooker Woodville director John White, who is based on Woodville Rd, said the new speed limit would help draw more people to the strip.

"It becomes safer for pedestrians and might encourage drivers to stop and visit local traders," Mr White said.

"At the moment it is a busy thoroughfare."

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Mr White said the road needed an "influx of small cafes and restaurants' to attract people and hoped the speed limit drop would encourage that.

"We need to turn Woodville Rd into a destination rather than just a traffic thoroughfare."

Cotto Patisserie and Espresso Bar owner Gino Franze said the road was at times very busy and dangerous and a lower speed limit would increase safety.

"We need a bit more on-street parking and more retail shops and more development," Mr Franze said.

Previously, the speed limit along the strip was 50km/h between Findon and Port Rds, and 60km/h after that.

Joyrene Fashions owner Heather Beagley said move was a step in the right direction but more needed to be done to revive the strip.

"Nothing has been done to encourage business back on to Woodville Rd," Mrs Beagley said.

In August 2010, Charles Sturt Council unveiled its Woodville Village Master Plan, which included high-density housing along the road and a multi-level carpark.

The plan also included a piazza with restaurants, shops and apartments next to the Woodville train station.

Charles Sturt CEO Mark Withers said the council had been working on "small incremental steps" to improve the road, including lighting heritage buildings.

Mr Withers said the council was also planning to work with business owners to create a traders association by the end of the year.

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