SH1 Rolleston Access Improvements

Project Update January 2026

23 January 2026

We’ve finished deep excavation for the new pedestrian and cyclist subway on the corner of Dunns Crossing Road and State Highway 1.

We’re ready, set, go for 2026

Our crews are back on site with lots of activity on both sides of the highway focusing on keeping the construction on track. Our first priorities are to build the pedestrian and cyclist subway, the southern half of the new roundabout and the new traffic signals at Weedons Road interchange. NZTA are also reviewing the speed limit on the section of SH1 south of Brookside Road to just south of Dunns Crossing Road.

Digging deep for subway construction

If you’re wondering how the subway is being built when it sits partially under the live highway traffic lanes, read on!

The new subway will be located roughly in the highlighted yellow and red areas in the diagram below.  It’s being built in two stages, with the large, heavy precast concrete units now being made off-site. 

Excavation for the first stage (in yellow) is complete, as it’s away from the live traffic lanes. Next, the precast concrete unit will be installed and the new road alignment built on top, as shown by the grey arrow.

When highway traffic moves onto the new road, the old section of highway will be demolished and excavated. The second stage of the subway (in red) can then be installed and the northern half of the roundabout built.

This diagram shows the approximate location of the pedestrian and cyclist subway in relation to the new roundabout layout. Photo courtesy Fulton Hogan.

Good drainage is critical for the road network to operate in wet weather. Here a stormwater headwall has been installed alongside the new highway.

It’s time to look at speed limits

NZTA are reviewing whether current speed limits are still right for SH1 Rolleston, as part of an important safety and efficiency check.

Proposed speed limit change

We’re proposing a new speed limit on SH1 from south of Brookside Road to south of Dunns Crossing Road:

• Current speed limit: 100km/h
• Proposed speed limit: 80km/h

Why lower the speed limit?

• To support Rolleston’s growth and the new road layout under construction.
• To reduce the risk and severity of crashes.
• Multiple property driveways still connect directly to SH1. The new roundabout will make right turns safer, and a lower speed limit improves access and gives drivers more time to make decisions.
• Higher speeds can contribute to longer disruptions when a serious incident closes the road, sometimes for several hours.

What this means for you

Key estimates:

• Travel time: about 10 seconds longer for light vehicles; 9 seconds for heavy vehicles 
• Safety: 29% fewer injury crashes
• Cost: $25,000, a modest investment for a safer, more connected community.

Have your say

While physical improvements continue, this consultation is a separate but required step under the Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024.

This Rolleston proposal is one of several targeted speed limit change proposals being considered on short sections of state highway in Canterbury, the West Coast and Southland. You can view all the proposals on our website and provide feedback online.

Fill out the short surveys - choose the locations that matter to you - by 5pm on Friday 6 March. 

Click the link: www.nzta.govt.nz/southernspeed 

Thank you. Your feedback means road users, local knowledge and community experience contribute to decision making. Your input will help shape final decisions under the Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024.

Indicative map: proposed speed limit change on SH1, from south of Brookside Road to south of Dunns Crossing Road.

Weedons interchange improvements underway

Work started earlier this month at Weedons Road roundabout and the southbound off-ramp. Our crews will be on site for a couple of months, putting in place improvements that will help reduce queuing on the southbound off-ramp and improve traffic flow through the roundabout at busy times. 

Upcoming night work

For about two weeks from Sunday 1 February, we’ll be working at night to install new service trenches and relocate existing services.

The work is being done at night when traffic volumes are lower, to minimise congestion and disruption and because it’s safer for our crews and people driving past. 

During work hours (8pm to 5am) a section of Weedons Road as well as the southbound off-ramp and on-ramp will be closed, as shown in the map below.

Detour routes will be clearly signposted. Access will be maintained for residents at the end of Weedons Road, and pedestrians and cyclists travelling through the area.

Selwyn District Council update - Dunns Crossing Road and Burnham School Road intersection

Work on the new traffic signals at Dunns Crossing and Burnham School Road is progressing. The weather has caused some delays and contractors have been working at night to help keep the project on track.

SDC is aiming to open the intersection to three way traffic by 26 January, which will make travel through the area easier. The full intersection opening, including all traffic movements, is scheduled for the second week of February.

While this work has been disruptive, SDC appreciates the community’s patience and understanding while this important safety upgrade is completed. 

For more information about this work, contact the contractor HIGGINS on 03 341 4370.

More information

For more information see our website and sign up for the newsletter. You can also subscribe for work notices, which will outline the days, time and duration of specific pieces of work that may cause disruption. 

For specific questions email rollestonaccess@nzta.govt.nz