A crash blocked the southbound and merging lanes of the Christchurch Southern Motorway near the State Highway 76 interchange on Monday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the crash at about 3.25pm, with motorists experiencing significant congestion along the route. The incident affected traffic travelling towards Rolleston.

Fire crews from Ilam, Wigram, Rolleston and Burnham Camp attended the scene.

The crash was cleared and all lanes were restored at about 3.45pm.

The NZ Transport Agency advised motorists to take extra care and expect delays while the remaining congestion eased.