40kmh speed limit now in place for Maitland Street

A new 40kmh speed limit is now in place for Maitland Street in the Narrabri central business district, between Killarney Street and Bowen Street.

After being endorsed by councillors at a meeting in December 2024, Transport for NSW officially approved the speed limit reduction last month.

During the public exhibition period conducted following the December 2024 endorsement by council, 183 community members provided feedback with 81 per cent of respondents supporting the proposed change.

Feedback from the survey indicated support for additional improvements to Maitland Street, including additional lighting, more shade, the inclusion of multiple pedestrian crossings, additional seating, accessibility for wheelchairs and prams as well as a focus on having vacant sites cleaned up.

Announcing the approval of the reduction of the speed limit from 50kmh to 40kmh, Transport for NSW said it had conducted a review of an 880-metre section of Maitland Street between the Newell Highway and Bowen Street to determine if a high pedestrian activity area (HPAA) should be established.

Transport for NSW acting regional director west Holly Davies said the review had been requested by Narrabri Shire Council to improve pedestrian amenity and safety.

“The review length of Maitland Street forms the CBD of Narrabri and includes a typical mix of retail businesses, grocery shops, restaurants and hotels, gym, bowling club and accommodation,” Ms Davies said.

“Landscaping upgrades that have been progressively implemented along Maitland Street have improved the general public convenience and while heavy vehicles are not allowed in this area of town, traffic studies show it is still a very busy area with about 2500 vehicles a day passing through.

“The review considered a number of factors including the existing road environment, existing road use and the number of cross streets within the review area and determined that the introduction of a high pedestrian activity area and a speed limit reduction from 50kmh to 40kmh would boost safety for all road users and pedestrians in the area.”

Ms Davies said the change would add less than a minute to journeys for vehicles travelling through the Narrabri town centre but would deliver a significant safety boost for all pedestrians and motorists.

The new speed limits officially came into effect in late July.

New signage will be installed to advise motorists and pedestrians of the changes.