110kph speed limit proposed for Christchurch motorway

Tuesday, 27 August 2024

State Highway 1/76 Christchurch Southern Motorway may become the South Island’s fastest road if plans to increase the speed limit to 110kmh go ahead.

The Government is considering raising the Christchurch Southern Motorway speed limit to 110kph, as part of their Accelerate NZ plan.

If it goes ahead, it will be the fastest road in the South Island.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown said State Highway 1/76, connecting Rolleston to Christchurch, was critical for motorists and freight operators.

“We’re committed to ensuring that this state highway enables people to get to where they want to go, quickly and safely,” he said.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed a proposal to increase the speed limit on the Christchurch Southern Motorway to 110kmh.

Three major roads in the North Island already have 110kph speed limits.

The National Party has set out its transport plan which will include new roads of ‘National Significance’ around the country.

The State Highway 1 Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road and State Highway 1 Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway limits were increased in 2017.

The speed limit on the Waikato Expressway, between Hampton Downs and Tamahere, followed in July 2022.

Brown said raising the speed limit on the Christchurch motorway would “support economic growth and productivity” by reducing traffic times on the freight route.

He said the road was built with increased safety features such as two lanes in each direction, a flexible median barrier between lanes, and increased visibility for drivers.

Consultation on the speed limit increase from east of the Curletts Road interchange in Addington, to west of Weedons Road Interchange in Rolleston, begins on September 3rd and closes on October 1st.