The figure is included in the $600 million safer roads programme announced by the Government yesterday.
The South Island's $21.6 million portion of the overall funding, for high-risk roads in the South Island and aimed at removing proven crash black spots, was outlined by Transport Minister Simon Bridges.
The funding, over the next six years, will go towards safety improvements on nearly all roads where there have been five or more fatalities in the past five years.
Ninety high-risk sites throughout New Zealand will be improved.
Mr Bridges said the programme of improvements would result in 900 fewer deaths and serious injuries on New Zealand's roads over the next 10 years.
The overall programme funding would all be spent on rural state highways, and $100 million a year would be provided over six years.
This was $60 million more than was usually invested each year in road safety improvements, Mr Bridges said.
An indicative works programme, also released yesterday, says work could possibly begin on the Port Chalmers highway next year.
Rumble strips along edge lines, improved signage and side barriers at ‘‘high risk locations'' are among likely safety "treatments''.
A further $3.4 million had been set aside for similar safety improvements on SH1, Dunedin to Fairfield, where preliminary work could start late this year, the report said.
A further $8 million has been earmarked for SH1, Mosgiel to Balclutha, with work possibly starting in 2018.
And project investigation for SH1, Oamaru to Dunedin, is due to start in the 2016-17 financial year, with exact funding to be advised.
Work is also under way to assess potential options to improve SH1 between Invercargill and Moto Rimu Rd.
Safety moves
South Island road safety projects.-
SH1: Dunedin to Fairfield.
SH88: Dunedin to Port Chalmers.
SH1: Mosgiel to Balclutha.
SH1: Oamaru to Dunedin.
SH1: Invercargill to Moto Rimu Rd.
SH1: Ashley to Belfast.
SH1: Rakaia to Ashburton.
SH1: Rangitata.
SH74: Marshlands to Burwood.
SH7: Waipara to Waikari.
SH6: Blenheim to Nelson.
