Northumberland County has completed speed zone updates at 18 locations to help drivers adjust more gradually between fast-moving rural roads and slower village streets.
The updates include newly introduced or extended 60 km/h transition zones between existing 80 and 50 or 40 km/h areas. According to the county, the goal is to improve safety by reducing sudden speed drops and encouraging more consistent driving behaviour.
“Public safety is always our top priority,” said Denise Marshall, director of public works. “With all new signage now installed, these revised speed zones reflect best practices for gradual speed transitions, especially in and around residential areas and hamlets. They also respond directly to feedback we’ve received from the community about improving road safety.”
The changes affect multiple areas including Brighton, Warkworth, Roseneath, Camborne, Hilton, Castleton, Grafton, Morganston, Centreton, Dartford and Hastings.
Council approved the changes in September 2024 after reviewing recommendations from the county’s transportation master-plan and traffic safety guidelines. The initiative builds on earlier work from 2022 and 2023 to standardize speed limits near schools and across rural communities.
“These changes represent another step forward to creating road environments that are predictable, safe and in line with modern transportation standards,” added Marshall. “Safe road design is a shared responsibility.”
A complete list of updated speed zone locations can be found in the Sept. 5, 2024 public works committee teport available through the county’s website.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)