A new 110km/h speed limit on the SH1/76 Christchurch Southern Motorway comes into effect today, marking a first for the South Island.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop said that with up to 38,000 vehicles per day travelling on the Christchurch Southern Motorway, the new higher speed limit of 110km/h will help ensure people and freight can get to where they need to go, quickly and safely.
“Late last year, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) consulted on the proposed speed limit increase to 110km/h. With nearly 4,000 submissions received, 68% supported the increase, with most submissions strongly supporting it,” said Mr Bishop.
“Started by the previous National Government as a Road of National Significance (RoNS), the Christchurch Southern Motorway was built to a high safety standard and has delivered strong safety benefits, improved travel time reliability, and reduced congestion for those travelling in and out of Christchurch to the south.”
The new 110km/h speed limit on the SH1/76 Christchurch Southern Motorway will apply for 17.7km of the state highway from east of Curletts Road interchange, Addington, to west of Weedons Road interchange, Rolleston.
“These motorways have safety features that greatly reduce the risk of death or serious injury in a crash. This includes two lanes in each direction, flexible median barrier between opposing lanes, and a smooth alignment with good forward visibility for drivers,” said Mr Bishop.
“Kiwis have now had their say and NZTA have assessed the Christchurch Southern Motorway as being safe to increase the speed limit to 110km/h. Now, we’re getting on and delivering it.”
