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SH1 Rolleston Access ImprovementsProject Update October 2025 |
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16 October 2025 |
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From left, Selwyn mayor-elect Lydia Gliddon, Transport Minister Chris Bishop, Fulton Hogan Canterbury regional manager Paul O’Meara and Banks Peninsula MP Vanessa Weenink officially launch construction of the SH1 Rolleston Access Improvements project. And we're underway!Yesterday, Transport Minister Chris Bishop, dignitaries and project representatives marked the start of construction on this Roads of Regional Significance project. NZTA has selected Fulton Hogan to build Stage 1, the new two-lane roundabout at the intersection of SH1 with Dunns Crossing and Walkers Road. “It includes a pedestrian and cycle subway under SH1 at the new roundabout, realignment and widening of SH1, Dunns Crossing Road and Walkers Road, replacing the existing rail level crossing on Walkers Road with a new one, and efficiency improvements at the Weedons interchange,” Mr Bishop said. Together with Stage 2 – the bridge over SH1 at Rolleston Drive North and key highway and intersection improvements – the project will provide safer, easier and more efficient transport connections for people and businesses in the Selwyn district. Stage 2 will be tendered separately, with construction expected to begin in late 2026. “Selwyn is the fastest growing district in New Zealand and an important gateway to Christchurch,” Mr Bishop said. “This project is another example of the Government backing economic growth in the regions and helping fast-growing communities to thrive.” Read Minister Bishop's media release here. |
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The start of construction – what you can expectFulton Hogan are now on site at the corner of Dunns Crossing Road and SH1, establishing their compound and the work area. To create enough space for the upcoming improvements, some shelterbelt trees next to the highway need to be removed to widen the work area and help the team to carry out other activities safely. While we know that shelterbelts play an important role in rural areas, this must be balanced with the need to provide better options for people to get around the growing area. |
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This work will take place from Monday to Friday next week, October 20-24, between 9am-3pm. Diggers, chainsaws and chippers will be used to remove the trees quickly and efficiently. People may hear the work if they're close to the site. On the highway, a temporary speed limit of 30km/h will be in place and temporary traffic lights will control traffic past the area when the arborist is operating. For safety, vehicles will be stopped for between 40 seconds and two minutes when branches/trees are being felled. The tree felling will only take place once qualified ecologists have captured the southern grass skinks that were identified at the site and relocated them to their new home near the banks of the Selwyn River. Other activities in coming months include earthworks, drainage, service relocations and starting work on the subway. Fulton Hogan will liaise with other contractors who are working in the local area. Initial works also involve using hydro-excavation (example shown in the image below) to safely locate underground services and assess ground conditions across the site. |
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How to stay informedDuring construction, it’s anticipated that the state highway will remain open, with temporary traffic management in place as required. Information about highway changes and closures/restricted movements at intersections or local roads will be shared with the community in advance via:
• Work Notices, issued by email and letterbox drops to nearby properties Know someone who would like to receive project updates? Forward them this newsletter, or they can sign up at our project website - www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh1-rolleston. |
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Progress ongoing for new bridgeThe work on Stage 2 of the project – the new bridge over State Highway 1 at Rolleston Drive North and the associated highway and intersection improvements – continues. NZTA has met with all organisations that submitted on the Notice of Requirement for the Alteration to Designation, and is working to resolve any outstanding queries. Stage 2 is still on track to start construction in October 2026, once consenting and land acquisition is complete. |
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Out and aboutA big thank you to the community who attended our drop-in sessions at Selwyn Sports Centre, Te Ara Ātea and West Rolleston Primary School. It was great to chat to residents, parents, businesses and local organisations. Of the 100 or so conversations we had, the vast majority were positive about the project and its benefits for people living, working, visiting or travelling through Rolleston. People were interested in looking over, and asking questions about, the large-scale designs, videos and printed visuals we had available. We also handed out about 300 QR code business cards encouraging people to sign up for this newsletter. There were a range of questions about the project, from the timing of construction to route changes, safety, alignment with SDC projects and benefits for walkers and cyclists. |
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More information |
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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 |
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