Christchurch Southern Motorway Speed Limit Proposed to Increase to 110km/h

The proposal, welcomed by Transport Minister Simeon Brown, is part of a broader effort to rebuild the economy by improving efficiency on key transport routes.

The New Zealand Government has proposed increasing the speed limit on the Christchurch Southern Motorway (State Highway 1/76) to 110km/h, a move that is expected to reduce travel times and enhance productivity for those traveling in and out of Christchurch from the south. The proposal, welcomed by Transport Minister Simeon Brown, is part of a broader effort to rebuild the economy by improving efficiency on key transport routes.

"Boosting economic growth and productivity is central to our Government’s plan to rebuild the economy," stated Minister Brown. "This proposal aligns with that goal by cutting down travel times and enhancing efficiency on this critical South Island freight route."

The Christchurch Southern Motorway, initially developed as a Road of National Significance under the previous National Government, has already succeeded in reducing congestion, improving safety, and ensuring more reliable travel times. The motorway’s design, which includes two lanes in each direction, a flexible median barrier between opposing lanes, and a smooth alignment that provides drivers with good forward visibility, has significantly lowered the risk of serious accidents.

"These safety features have been crucial in making the motorway a safer route for both motorists and freight operators," Brown added. "Implementing 110km/h speed limits on Roads of National Significance where it’s safe is a key part of our Accelerate NZ plan to grow the economy, reduce travel times, and increase productivity across our transport network."

Public consultation on the proposed speed limit increase will run from 3 September to 1 October, covering the stretch from east of the Curletts Road interchange in Addington to west of the Weedons Road interchange in Rolleston.