Speed limit cut at dangerous Grove intersection where teenager was hit

The family of a Tasmanian student who was struck by a vehicle at a dangerous intersection say they’re grateful for the community’s support as the government acts to reduce the speed limit.

Grove intersection on the Huon Highway. Picture: Cas Garvey

The speed limit will be reduced at a dangerous highway intersection where a teenager was seriously injured last month.

The Department of State Growth announced a new 80km/h speed limit would apply to a 2.3km section of the Huon Highway at Grove that is currently a 100km/h zone.

Local student Jake Kirkpatrick suffered serious injuries after being struck by a car after getting off a school bus near the intersection of Mountain River Road on February 24.

A police investigation into the crash is ongoing.

The scene of the crash had been earmarked in a 2023 Huon Highway Corridor Strategy as an area requiring improvement for both traffic and pedestrians.

A young Jake Kirkpatrick with triplet brothers Hamish and Archie. Picture: GoFundMe

Locals have been asking for safety improvements at the intersection for years. There are currently no pedestrian facilities or traffic signals

Jake’s mum Lara Kirkpatrick thanked the community for their support.

“Jake’s family is so grateful for the support and kindness from friends and strangers, and it helps them when they continue to struggle with the reality of what has happened to Jake,” she said.

“Their total focus is on Jake and on their family. This is their sole focus.

“The local community have rallied around the family.

“Their passion about advocating for safety at the intersection where the accident occurred will continue.

“The Huon community are particularly invested and includes some strong advocates pushing to make sure change happens.

“As we continue to navigate the uncertainty of Jakes recovery we are grateful for the outpouring of support.”

The state government has fast-tracked $3m to improve safety in the area.

Minister for Transport Eric Abetz. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The Commissioner for Transport on Tuesday announced a reduced speed limit on the Huon Highway between Pages Road and Mountain River Road.

“The speed limit was reviewed due to increasing community concern over pedestrian safety issues at the Mountain River Road intersection, particularly at the bus stop along the Huon Highway,” the Department of State Growth said in a statement.

“A lower speed limit along this section of road is expected to reduce the number and severity of crashes.

“This is supported by a before-and-after analysis of other Tasmanian rural roads where reduced speed limits have decreased the number of crashes by around 40 per cent.

“A reduced speed limit will give drivers more time to react and avoid potential crashes, particularly when pedestrians are crossing the road.

“It will also give pedestrians more time to safely cross the road.”

Minister for Transport Eric Abetz welcomed the announcement.

“The lower speed limit will give people more time to safely cross the road and provide more time for drivers to react and avoid potential crashes,” Minister Abetz said.

“I understand the new speed limit will be in effect in the coming weeks, once the signs have been installed.”

Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

A GoFundMe appeal has been set up to help with Jake’s recovery: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-jakes-family/donations

The changed speed will add around 20 seconds to travel times.

In 2019, the government was forced to rip out and replace safety barriers on a nearby section of the highway after work to install a right-turn lane for a local tourist venue.

The upgrade created a pinch point that left cyclists with just 30cm of space between the traffic lane and safety barriers in the 100km/h zone.