Proposed speed reduction for Winiam East Road

Published on 01 September 2026

At the Council meeting held on Wednesday 26 August 2026 Hindmarsh Shire Council endorsed the proposal to seek approval from the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) to reduce the speed limit on a 250-metre section of Winiam East Road Nhill, immediately south of the Western Highway intersection, from 80 km/h to 60 km/h.

The proposal responds to road safety concerns at the five-leg intersection of Winiam East Road, Rethus Drive, and the Western Highway service roads. The area carries regular freight traffic, with heavy vehicle movements increasing during peak harvest periods.

Council’s engineering assessment identified that the road layout can make Rethus Drive appear to have priority, even though drivers entering from Rethus Drive must give way to traffic on Winiam East Road. The proposed lower speed limit would give drivers more time to identify and respond to vehicles entering the intersection and would reduce the severity of a potential side-impact crash.

The proposal also includes rumble strips on Rethus Drive to alert approaching drivers to the intersection and reinforce the requirement to give way, as well as installation of 50 km/h signage in Rethus Drive to remind road users of the existing speed limit. Council has consulted affected businesses near the intersection, and the DTP has provided in-principle support for the proposed treatments.

Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ron Ismay said, “This proposal is about making the intersection clearer and safer for local motorists, freight operators, and farm machinery, while retaining its important role as a freight route.”

Cr Ismay continued “Submitting an application does not change the speed limit. Following Council endorsement of the proposal, the Department of Transport and Planning will assess the application and approve proposed changes. Council will advise the community before any approved change is implemented.”

Proposed speed limit area, signage and rumble strips at Winiam East Road, Nhill.

Monica Revell
Chief Executive Officer