Please stick to the limit and protect our new roads

The new surfacing on the Christchurch Southern Motorway is at greater risk of damage in the current cold, wet conditions than if the new road had been opened as planned in warmer summer months.

COVID-19 lockdown has meant surfacing on CSM2 was pushed into colder months.

We are relying on you now to help us protect the new surface if we are to keep Canterbury moving.

Please remember to stick to the 30km/hr and 50km/hr temporary speed limits at all times.

Why so slow?

The temporary speed limits are key in protecting the new pavement surface over winter.

Reduced speeds are in place to help prevent:

• vehicles from stripping chip from the chip seal and subsequent damage to the underlying waterproofing bitumen layer, which then causes potholes
• damage to vehicles from flicked chip 
• the need for costly and disruptive repairs, which are very difficult during winter.

The Christchurch Southern Motorway is still an active work site. Please follow the signage, maintain travel distances between vehicles and drive to the speed limits and conditions.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience during the final stages of construction.

More information

For more information on the Christchurch Southern Motorway – frequently asked questions including timing, please visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/CSM2