The speed limit on the Mitchell Highway approaching the intersection where Orange teenager John Keegan was killed in a crash this month has been reduced following outcry from the community, Transport for NSW has confirmed.
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A reduced speed limit of 80 kilometres an hour has been established on the road approaching the Thompson Road intersection, extending approximately 400 metres in both directions and coming into effect as of Monday morning.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the move is part of a broader response to improve safety in the area, which came after the community once again called for "immediate" action to be taken.
Signs will be in place from [Monday] to reflect this change and the speed limit will be enforced.
- Paul Toole, on the Thompson Road intersection
"We understand the concerns that have been raised by the community and want to ensure we are doing everything possible to make this intersection safer," Mr Toole said.
That's why the speed limit [has been] reduced ... while Transport for NSW finalises a plan for broader safety upgrades. Signs will be in place from [Monday] to reflect this change and the speed limit will be enforced."
Residents in the area have been anxious about the intersection's safety for some time, citing previous accidents and near-misses as major causes for concern and raising the issue with Member for Orange Phil Donato.
Mr Donato has been escalating those concerns since August last year, however in the five years to 2020 just one crash had been reported at the site and, with this month's fatal crash the only one recorded in 2021 as well.
The community's concerns and Mr Donato's correspondence did result advanced signage being erected in January and April though, with line-marking also being improved in the area as well.
It also sparked Transport for NSW's meeting with the local community in March to discuss further safety measures like road widening, which it committed to delivering during the 2021-22 financial year.
At the time, in the days following Mr Keegan's death, Mr Donato said "if they think putting up a few signs is going to do the job, well, it's just not the case" and called for more urgent action to be taken, like reducing the speed limit.
Mr Toole said further safety measures at the intersection are now being finalised and will be delivered in the coming months, including isolated road widening opposite the intersection to allow cars to pass on the left.
"When a road safety issue is identified at a road or intersection, we aim to implement additional safety measures as soon as possible to reduce the risk to motorists while we develop plans for more comprehensive upgrades," Mr Toole said.
"Experts from the Centre of Road Safety are assisting to finalise recommended safety treatment options which will be delivered in the coming months and we will keep the community updated on that plan every step of the way.
"We are committed to working with the community and the experts to make the road as safe as possible."
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