Big upgrades underway to improve travel in Rolleston

People living, working and travelling through Selwyn will benefit from safer, more reliable journeys, as major transport improvements announced today in Rolleston get underway.

The Rolleston flyover project, led by the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will deliver a new bridge over State Highway 1 and the railway, along with improvements to State Highway 1 through Rolleston, by the end of 2028. As part of the Governments Roads of Regional Significance programme, this work will better connect Rolleston’s township and industrial areas, improving access, and making it easier for freight and local traffic to move around this part of the Selwyn district.

Selwyn District Council has been upgrading local roads since 2021 to support State Highway 1 upgrades and improve access to and through Rolleston. This has included new road alignments and improvements to key routes. The Council has already completed widening on Levi, Two Chain and Walkers Roads, and installed traffic signals at Levi Road, Masefield Drive, Dunns Crossing, and Burnham School Road. Remaining works will be planned and delivered in coordination with NZTA.

Selwyn District Council Executive Director Infrastructure and Property, Tim Mason, says these improvements are about making sure local roads can support the flyover and keep up with Rolleston’s continued growth.

“This is a significant investment in Rolleston’s transport network, and we’re pleased to see the next highway stage getting underway. This will be positive for the district's economy, particularly for freight access to the Rolleston Industrial Zone and getting around on our key roads. We’ve also appreciated working together on this project with NZTA.”

NZTA has appointed Fulton Hogan to build the flyover with early works starting soon and bridge piling for the flyover set to begin in October. The flyover will connect Rolleston Drive and Jones Road over both the highway and railway line.

The new roundabout at Dunns Crossing Road, delivered by NZTA, is now open, and upgrades to the rail level crossing on Walkers Road have been completed, along with the pedestrian and cycle subway under State Highway 1.

Final works, including subway lighting, signage and boundary fencing, are expected to be completed by NZTA over the next few months.

The flyover has been designed to support current and future demand. Two lanes will be provided for public transport and access to the industrial area, accommodating higher traffic volumes, while a single lane will connect to Rolleston’s residential areas. A shared-use path for walking and cycling will be included, and the overall width allows for an additional traffic lane in the future if required.