Masterton to Featherston new speed limits
In August and September 2021, we consulted with stakeholders and the public on the safe and appropriate speed for State Highway 2 between Masterton and Featherston.
Our speeds really matter. They can make a substantial difference to creating safe and sustainable communities. By adopting safe speeds on our roads and streets, we can help everyone get around safely, no matter how they travel.
We’re identifying roads where safe speed limits can make a big difference in saving lives, and where communities are calling for change.
When speed limits were set years ago, we didn’t have the research or technology we have now to ensure everyone is kept safe. Our towns and cities have also developed, with new places for communities to eat, play, study and work. Most of our speed limits are no longer appropriate for how our roads and streets are being used now and into the future.
We have a responsibility for improving road safety, so we’re making changes to this route to ensure our speed limits fit the design and use of the road.
An infrastructure improvement project is also underway on SH2 in Wairarapa. Included in these safety improvements is the installation of three roundabouts at:
- SH2 and Ngaumutawa Road (improving safe access onto the heavy traffic bypass)
- SH2 and Norfolk/Cornwall Roads
- SH2 and Wiltons/East Taratahi Roads.
The project will also deliver central median wire-rope barriers, a safe turnaround area near the Clareville Saddlery/Hughes Line, and improved line marking and road surfacing along an 8.6km-long stretch of SH2.
Upgrading these three key intersections with new roundabouts and physically separating traffic with new median safety barriers will significantly improve safety along this section, reducing the likelihood of crashes occurring.
New speed limits
The following speed limits were proposed during consultation and have been set as the new permanent speed limits. The new permanent speed limits took effect on 27 January 2023:
Masterton
| Section | Location | Existing speed limit | New speed limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 260m east of William Donald Drive to 64m northeast of the existing 100/70 change point on the Waingawa River Bridge | 70 | 50 |
| 2 | 64m northeast of the existing 100/70 change point on the Waingawa River Bridge to 260m southwest of Somerset Road | 100 | 80* |
* We previously consulted on Wiltons Road/East Taratahi Road intersections as a 60km/h intersection speed zone (ISZ). With the development of roundabouts in these sections the ISZ will no longer be required. As a legal requirement, we reconsulted to remove the ISZ as part of the Interim Speed Management Plan.
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Carterton
| Section | Location | Existing speed limit | New speed limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 260m southwest of Somerset Road to 205m southwest of Andersons Line | 70 | 70 |
| 4 | 205m southwest of Andersons Line to 130m northeast of the SH2 / Belvedere Road / Park Road roundabout | 50 | 50 |
| 5 | 130m northeast of the SH2 / Belvedere Road / Park Road roundabout to 10m south of Seddon Street | 50 | 40 |
| 6 | 10m south of Seddon Street to 50m southwest of Portland Road (current 50/100 change point) | 50 | 50 |
| 6a | 40m north of Richmond Road to 70m northeast of Moreton Road | 50 (40 School Zone) | 50 (30 School Zone) |
| 7 | 50m southwest of Portland Road to 550m north-east of Hupenui Road. Current passing lane becomes a slow vehicle lane with wide centreline. | 100 | 80 |
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Greytown
| Section | Location | Existing speed limit | New speed limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 550m north-east of Hupenui Road to 50m north-east of North Street | 70 | 70 |
| 9 | 50m north-east of North Street to 40m northeast of the SH2 / Kuratawhiti Street / Jellicoe Street intersection | 50 | 50 |
| 10 | 40m northeast of the SH2 / Kuratawhiti Street / Jellicoe Street intersection to 20m south of SH2 / Wood Street / Church Street intersection | 50 | 40 |
| 11 | 20m south of SH2 / Wood Street / Church Street intersection to 85m southwest of Bidwills Cutting Road | 50 | 50 |
| 12 | 85m southwest of Bidwills Cutting Road to 35m east of Boundary Road. Current passing lanes become slow vehicle lanes with wide centreline. | 100 | 80 |
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Featherston
| Section | Location | Existing speed limit | New speed limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 35m east of Boundary Road to 45m west of the SH2 / Birdwood Street / Lyon Street intersection | 70/50 | 50 |
| 14 | 45m west of the SH2 / Birdwood Street / Lyon Street intersection to 30m west of the SH2 / Wakefield Street / Bethune Street intersection | 50 | 40 |
| 15 | 30m west of the SH2 / Wakefield Street / Bethune Street intersection to 120m west of Renall Street | 50/70 | 50 |
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Investigation
When determining the proposed speed limits that we consulted on, we reviewed the speeds that people are currently travelling at on this road, the nature and design of the road itself, as well as the various infrastructure improvements planned, under construction and completed on these roads. These speed limits were assessed to be the safe and appropriate speeds for the route.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the new permanent speed limits by reading the frequently asked questions:
Consultation and submissions
During the consultation period (Monday 26 July and Sunday 19 September 2021), we received a total of 1,308 pieces of feedback on the proposed speed limit changes and infrastructure improvements.
View our consultation summary and the list of submissions:
This speed review was consulted under the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2017, and is being completed under the transitional provisions of the Setting of Speed Limits 2022 Rule.
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