Transport for NSW has implemented a 60 km/h speed limit along River Road in Coonabarabran for what it says will “provide safer and more efficient journeys for all road users”.  

A speed limit review on a section of the road was conducted at the request of Warrumbungle Shire Council following an approach by a community member.

“The review assessed a number of factors including the road environment such as potential hazards, clear zones and adjacent development, the road usage including traffic volumes and types of vehicles, the number of property accesses and intersections along the route and the crash history,” Transport for NSW Director West, Alistair Lunn said.  

The changes mean:  

• The speed limit will decrease from 100 km/h to 60 km/h, from 440 metres east of East Street to 920 metres east of East Street.  
• The speed limit will increase from 50 km/h to 60 km/h, from 60 metres east of East Street to 440 metres east of East Street.  

Warrumbungle Shire Council meeting minutes show the council did not hold a specific view on whether the speed limit should be changed and that it was after they received a request from a concerned resident they asked the transport regulator to investigate it further.

The intersection of River Road and East Street Coonabarabran. IMAGE: Google maps

A spokesperson for Warrumbungle Shire Council told the Western Plains App “Council received a request from a local resident in about January 2022 for a review of the speed limit in the vicinity of the curves near the golf club. This was taken to the Traffic Advisory Committee where it was agreed to request Transport NSW (who are the speed limit regulator) to conduct a speed limit review, which they duly did. As a result of the speed review the changes were made”. 

While the review did not come about because of any road crashes in the last five years, Alistair Lunn said that “There are several property accesses as well as a significant intersection leading into the Coonabarabran Golf Club.  

“Previously, the speed limits heading east out of town on River Road changed from 50km/h to 100km/h with the S-bends being in the 100km/h speed zone, which was a known route for bicycle riders so there was a risk that cyclists may not be seen on the S-bends on the road.  

The 60 km/h speed limit will extend 860 metres along River Road, starting from 60 metres east of East Street and ending 920 metres east of East Street.  

The changes came into effect Wednesday 8 March 2023.