Lower and variable speed limits are being introduced to a 19km stretch of SH94 from the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi.

The section of highway is one of the most mountainous and challenging to drive between Te Anau and Milford Sound, say Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency bosses. 

Between 2009 and 2018 there were 76 crashes between the eastern entrance of the Homer Tunnel and Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. These claimed three lives and seriously injured eight people. 

Around 40 percent of the 76 crashes occurred in the 2016 and 2018 period, when traffic volumes were high, driven by the pre COVID-19 tourism boom.

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The new speed limits will take effect from next Wednesday, 11 August.

The current 100kmh speed limits on the eastern approach to the Homer Tunnel (1km) and western approach (2km) and through the Homer Tunnel (1.7km) will be replaced with a variable 30-60kmh limit.

It will be used to manage highway issues, including weather, rockfalls and vehicle crashes. Drivers will be asked to go slower than 60, 40 or 30kmh, depending on the risk.

From the western approach of the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi (14km) an 80kmh limit will replace the existing mix of 100kmh and 80kmh limits.

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And the current 30kmh limit in Milford Sound/Piopiotahi itself will be extended to the east of the Deep Basin Access Road by 500 metres, currently set at 80kmh.

Waka Kotahi Director of Regional Relationships, James Caygill, says: "We want to prevent people being killed or seriously injured in crashes on this steep and challenging section of SH94.

"No matter what causes a crash, speed is always a factor in the severity of crash outcomes. No crash resulting in death or serious injury is acceptable, so it's important we take every opportunity to address the risk."

 Southland District Council and NZ Police both supported these safer permanent speed limits.

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Consultation with iwi, the communities and business operators in Milford Sound/Piopiotahi and Te Anau, residents along the route, road users and stakeholders started about 18 months ago. 

There were 47 submissions received on the speed consultation proposal. These were analysed and considered alongside safety assessments.

"Consultation feedback showed broad but not unanimous support for lower speed limits," Caygill says. 

"Some of the submitters wanted other measures to improve safety including addressing dangerous driver behaviour, increased Police enforcement and providing more safe passing opportunities.

 "As well as these speed changes, Waka Kotahi has made other major safety improvements over the last three years including bridge widening, safety barriers, and curve signage."