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SH73 through Sheffield township is a busy stretch of road and a key route connecting Christchurch and the West Coast. It’s used by a wide range of people, local residents, school children, freight operators, cyclists, pedestrians, and tourists, many of whom stop for the famous Sheffield pies.

The road environment is urban, with footpaths, verges, and multiple intersections. Residential properties border both sides of the highway, and the rail line runs alongside it. We’ve had feedback saying current speeds are too high. Lowering the speed limit will help make the area safer for all road users as it will reduce the severity of  crashes. While dedicated pedestrian crossing points were considered, the spread-out nature of parking and activity in the area means they wouldn’t be effective. A lower speed limit is the most practical way to improve safety.

Key estimates: 

  • Travel time: 8 seconds longer per trip for all vehicles
  • Safety: no expected change (no injury crashes recorded in the past 5 years)
  • Cost: $25,000.

Full cost benefit disclosure statement

Cost benefit disclosure statement [PDF, 116 KB]

Have your say by completing this short survey by 6 March 2026

Fill in the online survey(external link)

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