General News
17 December, 2025
Speed limit reduced going into town
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has reduced the speed limit on a section of the New England Highway (Ruthven Street) at Kearneys Spring from 70km/h to 60km/h.
The change extends the 60km/h zone on Ruthven Street by 700 metres, from near Freyling Park through to the southern side of Nelson Street, where the speed limit returns to 80km/h.
The change will apply to both southbound and northbound traffic.
TMR notes that the New England Highway is a vital corridor that accommodates a diverse range of road users, including cars, heavy vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
The reduced speed limit is expected to lower the number and severity of crashes, improving safety for road users.
A speed limit review was undertaken by TMR following concerns from the local community requesting to reduce the speed limit on the busy stretch of highway.
The speed review process considers a range of factors such as road function, roadside environment, road construction standards, prevailing traffic speeds and crash history.
A TMR spokesperson told On Our Selection News that between 30 August 2019 and 26 January 2023 there had been six incidents on this section of the highway, which averages to about 1.75 incidents per year.
“The review determined that the speed limit be reduced from 70km/h to 60km/h to improve safety for all road users,” the spokesperson said.
The reduction has been endorsed by the Speed Management Committee which includes representatives from the Queensland Police Service, local government and TMR.
New permanent speed limit signs are expected to be installed within the coming months, weather and other conditions permitting.
TMR Southern Queensland Region, Regional Director, Bill Lansbury said the community’s concern about the safety of road users along Ruthven Street has been listened to.
“The Department of Transport and Main Roads is committed to road safety through providing a safe environment for all roads users and implementing safety initiatives to reduce the likelihood and severity of a crash,” Mr Lansbury said.
“We urge all road users to observe the new speed limit and to always drive to conditions.”
