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Last modified: 21 Jul 2021 8:31am

An aerial view of State Highway 1 through Rolleston

Plans for a proposed State Highway 1 flyover and changes to busy intersections through Rolleston, south of Christchurch, are now open for the first round of public feedback.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has pop-up events planned over the next few weeks to share plans and gather community feedback on the project. Feedback is open from 20 July to 17 August.

The $125m project is being delivered as part of the Government’s $6.8 billion New Zealand Upgrade Programme to save lives, get our cities moving and boost productivity in the country’s growth areas.

Waka Kotahi is working closely with Selwyn District Council and KiwiRail to plan the improvements which include investment in highway intersections and the rail corridor.

Waka Kotahi Director of Regional Relationships James Caygill says many years of planning are being realised as a result of the NZUP funding and it is exciting to share the initial plans with the community for feedback.

“The proposed road and rail improvements are designed to provide a streamlined extension off the southern motorway while elevating and strengthening Rolleston’s community connections. A highway flyover, intersection changes and a new service lane will mean safer and more efficient commuter and freight routes and a freer flowing highway.

Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton says the flyover offers people safer ways to cross the highway and connect Rolleston township and the industrial hub.

“The changes are designed to make it safer and easier for people to visit and for locals to get around Rolleston. It also gives people more options to get around Rolleston, whether they are cycling, walking, on buses or in cars.”

Mr Caygill says that Waka Kotahi is now inviting the community’s input on the project.

“We want people to think about how they travel to and from and within Rolleston and how the plans for a flyover support this. We also want to hear whether any improvements could be made, so we can incorporate community feedback, ready for the next phase of planning.”

Waka Kotahi is also asking for feedback on current speed limits along SH1 from Hoskyns Road through to Dunsandel to help decide whether changes need to be considered before the proposed infrastructure is built.

This length of highway has a high number of people killed and seriously injured in crashes. No new speeds are proposed – the
purpose is to hear community views on current speeds. If changes are recommended, Waka Kotahi will consult with the community near the end of this year. Any changes would be made in 2022.

The Rolleston upgrades project includes a number of proposed safety upgrades including:

  • a flyover between Rolleston township and the industrial hub. The flyover will be a safer way for people – whether they are cycling, walking, on buses or in cars – to cross the highway while providing community connection for Selwyn District
  • closing SH1 Hoskyns Road and Rolleston Drive North intersections and removing the level crossing, which will be much safer for everyone
  • a new southbound service lane for local traffic running parallel to SH1 from Rolleston Drive North to south of Brookside Road (left in/left out only)
  • a new roundabout improving safety at SH1/Dunns Crossing Road/Walkers Road intersection, for better freight access to Rolleston’s industrial area and community access on and off the highway at the southern end of Rolleston
  • safety improvements at SH1/Rolleston Drive South intersection
  • changes to the rail corridor to improve train connections, operations and efficiencies.

Complementary projects — not funded by NZUP — but planned to support the wider transport network include:

  • assigning Two Chain Road/Walkers Road and Jones Road as primary freight routes and improving the infrastructure to support this*
  • reviewing speed along SH1 from Rolleston to Dunsandel and potentially local roads as well**
  • a Rolleston to Burnham shared path*
  • highway safety improvements including median barriers at some locations and a possible roundabout for Burnham*.

*Funding, timing and community consultation to be confirmed.

People are invited to speak to the team about the proposed Rolleston Flyover and Transport Improvements as well as safer speeds at the following events:

  • Wednesday, 21 July 10am-12noon, Rolleston Library, 94 Rolleston Drive
  • Saturday 24 July 1-3pm, Selwyn Winter Festival, Larcomb Vineyard, 307 Larcombs Road
  • Sunday 1 August 9-11am, Rolleston Farmers Market, 631 Springston Rolleston Road
  • Wednesday 11 August 3-5pm, Selwyn Sports Centre, 70 Broadlands Drive.

People can also send feedback in an email to rollestonflyover@nzta.govt.nz

Or drop comments on the online map from 20 July.