Waka Kotahi NZTA has got ahead of itself, erecting signs for new reduced speeds on State Highway 2 a fortnight before the limit changes are due to take effect.
The new 80kmh signs were installed yesterday, confusing motorists who were not expecting the speed limit to change until Friday, January 27, legally.
The Times-Age asked Waka Kotahi why the signs were already displaying the new speed limit yesterday afternoon at 1pm.
By 4pm, work crews were travelling down the stretch of highway, covering all the sign faces.
The transport agency said the signs would remain covered until January 27.
Waka Kotahi announced it would reduce the speed limit from 100kmh to 80kmh on open-road sections of SH2 between Featherston and Masterton last week.
The lowered speed limits are part of a series of safety improvements Waka Kotahi is currently undertaking on SH2 between Masterton and Featherston, including three roundabouts, a median strip, and a flexible centre barrier that’s being installed between Masterton and Carterton.
The agency will also install 21 raised pedestrian crossings in central areas of Featherston, Greytown, Carterton, and Masterton.
Waka Kotahi received 1300 public submissions on the speed limit reductions, the vast majority of which were against the change, but made no alterations to its original plans after the consultation period.
A speed limit review is also underway on the Remutaka Hill Rd, meaning motorists may soon be unable to travel over 80kmh between Masterton and Silverstream.
