The speed limit on State Highway 1/76, the Christchurch Southern Motorway to Rolleston could be increased to 110km/h.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown has expressed support for the proposal, citing potential benefits for economic growth and productivity by reducing travel times and increasing efficiency on this key South Island route.

Brown said the Christchurch Southern Motorway, designated as a Road of National Significance, has already helped reduce congestion and improve safety and travel time reliability.

“These sections of State Highway 1/76 were built to a high safety standard and have delivered strong safety benefits for those traveling in and out of Christchurch,” Brown said.

He also noted that safety features such as two lanes in each direction, flexible median barriers, and good visibility for drivers contribute to reducing the risk of serious accidents.

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

Additional safety improvements may be required for the first section of the motorway to meet safety guidelines before any speed limit changes are implemented.

A new Speed Limit Rule is being finalised by the Government, which would allow 110km/h speed limits on Roads of National Significance built to high safety standards.