Relief and joy as speed limits finally reduced in Pitt Town to improve safety 

The move comes in response to safety concerns as the town grapples with heavy traffic, with 800 to 1000 trucks passing through the historic town daily. The  decision has been met with relief by local residents and the Pitt Town Progress Association. 

The  Association’s  President Chris Bell  welcomed the announcement after years of lobbying for the change.

“The good news for Pitt Town is that our requests have been heeded. It’ll make it a lot safer. This is great news after several failed attempts at having the speed limit through town reduced. I am still hopeful that over the next few months we will have some positive news about the Pitt Town Bypass,” Bell said.

A truck rolled over in the heart of Pitt Town. There are upto 1000 truck movements a day through the historic town.

The impending reduction will take effect from August 21, 2023 and is a critical step toward enhancing safety in the town. The decision comes after several failed attempts to lower the speed limit and address the mounting risks associated with high-speed, heavy vehicular movement.

Transport for NSW said changing the speed limits will involve temporary lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h during this period. The measures are aimed at minimizing traffic disruptions as road signage and markings are updated during nighttime hours, beginning from August 16.

“We have persevered through numerous motor vehicle collisions and an array of letters to various authorities, including Ministers and The Roads & Maritime Department, facing setbacks before finally achieving a positive outcome,” a statement from the Pitt Town Progress Association said.

Still, the lowering of speed limits is only one piece of the puzzle in the ongoing challenges faced by Pitt Town. The uncertainty surrounding the Pitt Town bypass project continues to cast shadows of doubt over the town’s infrastructure future. 

The impending September state budget has led to speculation that the Pitt Town bypass project might be abandoned as the new NSW Labor Government grapples with a multi-billion dollar inherited budget deficit.

State Member for Hawkesbury, Robyn Preston last week called on the new Labor government not to abandon the project. She urged the Minns government to ensure funding for the project, citing the importance of this infrastructure link for the Hawkesbury region.

Initially promised more than 70 years ago, the Pitt Town Bypass project remains only a  pre-election commitment, by the previous government. The preceding 12-year tenure of the Liberal Government did not lead to any substantial progress in the project.

The Pitt Town Progress Association has long advocated for safer road conditions.

Local residents have consistently raised concerns about the safety implications of heavy trucks accessing Maroota quarries via Pitt Town roads. Loaded trucks traversing the town’s local road network have been branded as hazards, jeopardizing the well-being of residents and fellow road users.

For the most up-to-date traffic information, residents are encouraged to download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com, or call 132 701.