Drivers on Hobart’s East Derwent Highway will soon have to slow down through Geilston Bay and Risdon Vale, with the speed limit dropping from 100km/h to 80km/h.
The change covers a 2.3-kilometre stretch between Clinton Road at Geilston Bay and Grasstree Hill Road at Risdon.
The transport commissioner approved the reduction following a review by the Department of State Growth’s Transport Group, which acted on community concerns.
State Growth pointed to rising traffic from Risdon Vale and nearby housing developments, along with a higher crash rate at the Sugarloaf Road intersection.
“The safer speed limit will reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes by giving drivers more time to react to turning vehicles at the Sugarloaf Road and East Derwent Highway intersection,” the department said.
“Research shows that even small reductions in speed can result in considerable safety benefits.”
The change follows an earlier reduction further south on the same highway.
In July 2024, the limit between the Tasman Bridge and Geilston Bay was cut from 70km/h to 60km/h.
New signs will be installed next week, with warning signs flagging the change to drivers.
