Public consultation has begun on a proposal to increase the speed limit on Christchurch’s Southern Motorway from 100km/h to 110km/h.

The NZ Transport Agency is inviting feedback from the community on whether they agree with the proposed change.

The proposal, announced last week by Transport Minister Simeon Brown, suggests increasing the speed limit on the Christchurch Southern Motorway (SH76 and SH1) between the Curletts Road interchange in Addington and the Weedons Road interchange in Rolleston.

James Caygill, NZTA Director of Regional Relationships, said the motorway’s design and construction meet high safety standards, allowing for the possibility of a higher speed limit.

“This section of motorway has features that greatly reduce the risk of death or serious injury in a crash, such as two lanes in each direction, a flexible median barrier between opposing lanes, and a smooth alignment that offers good forward visibility for drivers,” he said.

However, Caygill added that some safety improvements, such as installing around 6km of side protection barriers from Barrington Street to Halswell Junction Road, might be necessary before any speed limit changes are implemented.

Since its completion in 2021, the motorway has been a vital route, reducing congestion and improving safety and travel time reliability.

It serves as an essential corridor for traffic travelling from the south of Christchurch, including to the inland ports at Rolleston, the central city, and Lyttelton Port.

The consultation period is open from today, Tuesday, 3 September, until Tuesday, 1 October. Feedback can be submitted online at nzta.govt.nz/csm110.

Caygill said NZTA will review all feedback received during the consultation before making a recommendation.

This recommendation will be assessed alongside technical and safety evaluations.

It could take between six to twelve months before any new speed limits are legalised and installed, depending on the required infrastructure. Until then, the speed limit will remain at 100km/h.