Safer speed limits for Chewton

Update – September 2024

We have reviewed the speed zone on the Pyrenees Highway (Main Street) from White Gum Track, Chewton to Castlemaine following changes made earlier this year.

A 6.4km section of this road was changed from several varied speed zones to a consistent 50km/h speed zone in February 2024.
Upon review, the decision has been made to reduce the length of the 50km/h speed zone by approximately 1km.

As a result, the section of the Pyrenees Highway (Main Street) from White Gum Track, Chewton to just south of Mitchell Street in Chewton will be returned to an 80km/h speed zone.

This change has been made after reviewing the changed 50km/h speed and in liaison with Victoria Police. Considerations included road safety, road environment and consistency of speed zones.

Our review found the remaining section of the recently implemented 50km/h speed zone, from just south of Mitchell Street in Chewton to Castlemaine, meets expectations in these areas. No further speed zone changes are planned.

No further speed zone changes are planned in this area. Please look out for the new speed limit and travel safety through the area.

Background

In February 2024 a new speed limit was be introduced on the Pyrenees Highway between Chewton and Castlemaine to ensure a consistent speed limit between the two towns.

A 50 km/h speed zone was implemented along a 6.4 kilometre stretch between White Gum Track in Chewton and Castlemaine, changed from a mix of 80km/h, 60km/h and 50km/h speed limits.

The changes followed community calls for a speed review to allow for a safer and more consistent speed limit along the Pyrenees Highway.

The new speed limit also reduces the likelihood of collisions and if a collision does occur, the new speed will help limit the severity of injuries.

The speed change added around 90 seconds to journey times.

The highway provides an important link to other nearby towns including Chewton, Elphinstone and Taradale.

Transport Victoria continues to work with key stakeholders to assess and review speed zones across the regional road network.

Speed limits are set to provide an appropriate balance between safety and mobility, with consideration given to factors such as the number access points, the road environment, adjacent speed zones, road use and crash history.

Everyone has a role to play in road safety and we urge everyone to share the road safely – adjust your driving to the conditions, look out for each other and avoid distractions.

We ask drivers to familiarise themselves with the new speed limit when driving between Castlemaine and Chewton for their own safety and the safety of others.