(Photo: RACQ LifeFlight)
September 8, 2020
The speed limit on the notorious Cooyar Range stretch of the New England Highway – the site of multiple accidents over the years – will drop from 100km/h to 60km/h this week.
Transport and Main Roads Southern Queensland Regional Director Kym Murphy said the change followed community feedback and a review of speed limits.
“We’ve listened to the community and the Speed Management Committee has undertaken a speed limit review,” Ms Murphy said.
“The review process considers a range of factors such as road function, roadside environment, road construction standards, prevailing traffic speeds and crash history.
Ms Murphy said 60km/h zone would extend from Kingaroy–Cooyar Road – the T-intersection at the top of the range – to the bottom of the Cooyar Range.
“This section of road is rather steep and susceptible to strong winds, and both of these factors contributed to the reduction in speed,” she said.
“The committee includes representatives from the Queensland Police Service, local council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
“Toowoomba Regional Council was involved in the Cooyar Range reduction.
“I urge all motorists to observe the new speed limit signs and to always drive to conditions.”
TMR has also permanently reduced the speed limit on the New England Highway approaches into Allora from 100km/h to 90km/h, and between Forest Plain Road and South Street from 80km/h to 70km/h.
