Motorists travelling between Bega and Tathra this week have been coming to terms with a new reduced speed limit.
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A section of the Bega-Tathra Rd has been made an 80kmh zone, down from 100kmh, in response to community concerns over driver safety.
The stretch of road of particular concern runs past the intersection with Kerrisons Lane, which has been the scene of numerous recent car crashes, including one that claimed the life of young Tathra mother Jacqui Britton in February 2015.
While there have been no reports suggesting speed has been a factor in any of the incidents to date, proposed safety improvements to the section of road included a review of speed limits.
A spokesperson for Roads and Maritime Services confirmed the Bega-Tathra Rd is a regional road under the care and control of Bega Valley Shire Council, but that the RMS has worked with the council to develop safety improvements on the section of road near Kerrisons Lane.
“A proposal for a minor realignment of the road and installation of safety barriers has been prepared,” the RMS spokesperson said.
“Council has advised Roads and Maritime it plans to seek funding in 2016/17 to carry out these proposed safety improvements.
“The new permanent 80kmh zone on Tathra Rd between Bega and Jellat Jellat is in place from December 16 after community concerns prompted a speed zone review.
“It replaces the 100kmh zone on a 2.5km section from 330 metres north of Kerrisons Lane to 2.2km east of Kerrisons Lane.
“This is about one-third of the length of the existing 100kmh zone.”
