Main Roads responds to Ruthven St speed drop
Transport and Main Roads has responded after a speed drop along a busy main street in Toowoomba incited online anger in motorists and commuters. Here’s what they had to say.
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The state’s road department responded after a new speed limit which enraged motorists was implemented last week saying it the speed reduction was to improve safety without removing trees and restricting side street access.
New speed limit signs appeared on Monday, April 22 and cautioned motorists to slow down to 50km/h for the 1.14km stretch between Long and Alderley Streets on Ruthven St.
The drop of 10km/h incited heated commentary from motorists and commuters in Toowoomba, some calling it “madness”, and an “absolutely stupid idea”.
The speed drop is to reduce the risk of fatal and serious injury crashes, as well as improve safety along the New England Highway, or Ruthven St between James and Nelson Streets, a Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said.
“This 1.14 km section of road has a high number of residential accesses, nine intersections and poor sight distance compared to other sections of Ruthven Street,” they said.
“To improve safety without compromising the function of the road, removing trees or restricting side street access, a speed reduction was TMR’s preferred option.
“In the past 5 years, nineteen crashes have occurred on this section with the majority being rear-end crashes or vehicles turning right across oncoming traffic.
“It is expected that a speed reduction of 10km/hr will provide a 30 per cent reduction in the likelihood of crashes and reduce crash severity.
“No further speed limit changes on Ruthven Street are being considered at this time.
“All works undertaken since July 2023 on the New England Highway (Ruthven Street) between James Street and Nelson Street are part of the $13.2M upgrade funded under the Queensland Government’s Targeted Road Safety Program.
“This includes the works on the intersection of Ruthven Street and Stenner Street.
“All works are scheduled for completion in May 2024, weather and conditions permitting.”
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