Stages Two & Three

October 2026 to March 2027 (approx)

Work will begin on the northern side of Gerald Street, including the area around Springs Road intersection. Starting on this side enables the new shared walking and cycling path to be built, so it can be used when construction moves to the southern side of Gerald Street.

What we are doing?

• Installing water and stormwater infrastructure.

• Constructing new kerb and channel.

• Building a shared walking and cycling path.

• Beginning upgrades at the Springs Road intersection.

April 2027 to September 2027 (approx)

What are we doing?

• Carrying out additional underground services and utility work.

• Constructing new kerb and channel.

• Building new footpaths.

• Adding new street lighting.

• Improving the streetscape and transport connections.

October 2027 to March 2028 (approx)

What are we doing?

• Rebuilding and resurfacing Gerald Street in sections.

• Completing traffic light installation.

• Applying road markings.

• Commissioning traffic lights, including on West Belt.

One of the most significant parts of the project is the upgrade of the intersection at Springs Road, Gerald Street and Ellesmere Junction.

The existing roundabout will be replaced with traffic lights, alongside major underground infrastructure improvements. These changes will improve safety, traffic flow and accommodate the area’s future growth.

The intersection will remain open for most of construction, although some temporary traffic changes and partial closures may be required during some stages of work.

Traffic signals will be installed at the intersection of Gerald Street and Vernon Drive. This upgrade will make it easier and safer for people travelling through the intersection, whether they are driving, walking or cycling.

Currently, turning right out of Vernon Drive can be difficult during busy periods, with drivers often needing to wait for a safe gap in traffic. The new traffic lights will make it safer and easier for vehicles to enter Gerald Street.

The upgrade will also improve safety for pedestrians crossing the road. Once the signals are operating, the existing pedestrian refuge island near the supermarket will no longer be needed and will be removed.

New paths for pedestrians and cyclists will be introduced along both sides of Gerald Street, creating safer and more accessible travel options for people who choose active modes of transport. These improvements will improve connections to Lincoln's town centre and support a more balanced transport network.

Trees remain an important part of Lincoln's character, with existing trees retained wherever possible. During Stage 1, more than 50 new trees were planted throughout the town centre. While space constraints mean new street tree planting is not planned within the Stage 2 and 3 corridor, efforts will be made to protect existing trees wherever feasible.

Stages 2 and 3 have a much larger scope of work than Stage 1 and include:

• New traffic lights at the Gerald Street/Springs Road/Ellesmere Junction intersection.

• New traffic lights at the Gerald Street/Vernon Drive intersection.

• Relocating overhead power lines so they are underground.

• New street lighting.

• New bus stops and shelters.

• New walking and cycling paths.

• Road reconstruction and resurfacing.

• New stormwater and water supply infrastructure.

• Piping the open swale drain on the north side of Gerald Street.

Once complete, Stages 2 and 3 will provide:

• Safer intersections and traffic movements.

• Improved walking and cycling connections.

• Upgraded water and stormwater infrastructure.

• Improved public transport.

• New footpaths and road surfaces.

• Infrastructure that supports Lincoln's continued growth.

• A safer, more attractive and more resilient town centre.

The combined Stages 2 and 3 have a much larger scope than Stage 1. The project covers almost one kilometre of Gerald Street between South Belt and Springs Road, compared with about 300 metres completed during Stage 1. It includes major underground water and stormwater upgrades, two sets of traffic lights, utility works, under grounding of power lines, walking and cycling paths and significant road reconstruction.

Lessons learned from Stage 1 have helped shape the programme. We know how important it is for people to be able to access local businesses during construction, so the work has been carefully planned to maintain access and keep Gerald Street operating as effectively as practical.

To help reduce disruption, as much work as possible will be done simultaneously. We will use specialist construction techniques to improve efficiency and reduce disruption, for example directional drilling for the new watermain rather than more invasive open-cut trench excavation.

Stages 2 and 3 are expected to take about 18 months from construction starting through to final surfacing, line marking and the commission of traffic lights.

This includes all underground infrastructure works, road reconstruction, walking and cycling paths and finishing touches.

The delivery of Stage 1 has provided valuable insights that are already helping to shape future stages of the project. Feedback from residents, businesses, road users and project partners has led to a number of practical improvements, including the creation of the business support fund, a greater focus on maintaining access during construction, and earlier engagement with residents about upcoming works.

We are committed to continuous improvement and have been reviewing feedback and project performance throughout delivery. A formal lessons learnt review will also be completed following Stage 1 to capture any additional opportunities to further improve the experience for our community during future stages

The project is expected to take around 18 months and will be delivered in three parts. Construction will begin on the northern side of Gerald Street and around the Springs Road intersection. Starting on the north side allows crews to install critical underground infrastructure located on this side of the road, including water and stormwater services, while keeping traffic flowing through the town centre. Once this work is complete, a new shared walking and cycling path will be available for pedestrians and cyclists to use during later stages of construction.

The project is expected to take around 18 months and will be delivered in three parts. Work will begin on the north side of Gerald Street for approximately six months, followed by six months on the south side, before the final six months are dedicated to completing the full road reconstruction works.

1. First six months: North side of Gerald Street and Springs Road intersection
   

   
   
   • Installing underground water and stormwater infrastructure.
   
   
   • Constructing new kerbs, channels and the shared walking and cycling path.
   
   
   • Upgrades at the Springs Road intersection begin
   
   

2. Second six months: South side of Gerald Street
   

   
   
   • Installing underground services and utilities.
   
   
   • Constructing new kerbs, footpaths, street lighting and other streetscape improvements.
   
   

3. Final six months: Road reconstruction and final works
   

   
   
   • Rebuilding and resurfacing sections of Gerald Street.
   
   
   • Installing line marking and completing traffic lights at the upgraded intersections.
   
   

This approach helps maintain access for businesses, residents, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists while allowing construction to progress efficiently and safely.

The project is being carefully planned to help keep Lincoln functioning while construction is underway.

Two-way traffic still needs to move through Gerald Street, and safe access must be maintained for businesses, residents, pedestrians, cyclists, public transport and emergency services.

By completing the work this way, we can continue making progress while keeping Gerald Street accessible and safe.

We know the community wants the project completed as quickly as possible, and we're committed to finding ways to reduce construction time wherever we can. This includes running multiple crews, carrying out work in parallel where possible, and using methods such as directional drilling to reduce the need for large trenches.

Weekend work may be used to help keep the project on schedule, make up for delays or to complete work while a business is closed.

Our approach is to balance efficiency, safety and cost while reducing impacts on the community.

While night works are sometimes useful, they are not always the fastest or most efficient and practical option. For example, working under temporary lighting can create additional safety requirements and using noisy or visible machinery can be disruptive at night. Because this section of the project is in a residential area, we are conscious of minimising disruption to nearby residents, particularly overnight. Time savings from night works are marginal at best and don’t always provide the time saving efficiencies people often expect.

Road repairs are often more complex than they appear. In some sections, the existing road is old and failing, with soft ground and deeper structural issues that need to be repaired before a new surface can be laid.

The construction work then involves rebuilding the road in several layers, with each layer needing time to be placed, compacted, and checked to ensure it will last. Often, specific weather and temperature conditions are required to achieve the best long-term result.

While this can take time, completing the work properly helps deliver a safer, stronger, and more durable road for the community.

We are aiming to keep two lanes of traffic operating where possible during Stages 2 and 3 to help maintain access through the area and minimise disruption for road users.

However, at different stages of the project, temporary traffic management may be required, including lane shifts, temporary traffic lights, stop/go controls, and occasional night works. If partial road closures are required, we will also need to consider suitable detour routes. Whichever option we decide on will always provide the safest outcome while minimising community impact.

This helps keep both the public and construction crews safe while allowing work to continue as quickly as possible. We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we improve Lincoln Town Centre.

Some temporary delays are unavoidable because construction is taking place in the heart of Lincoln.

At different stages of the project, lane shifts, temporary traffic lights, stop/go controls and occasional night works may be required. We may need to also have detour routes in place, if partial road closures are in place.

Options for traffic management will always provide the safest outcome while minimising community impact. This helps keep both the public and construction crews safe while allowing work to continue as quickly as possible.

Please visit our website for the latest updates, plan your journey ahead of time and allow extra time for travel.

The Springs Road and Gerald Street intersection is one of the most complex parts of the project.

Work includes major underground infrastructure upgrades, removing the existing roundabout and installing traffic lights. This is being completed to allow for future growth south of the intersection.

The intersection will remain open for most of the construction, however during periods of road reconstruction, partial road closures will be needed so work can be completed as quickly as possible in this busy area.

Yes. Supporting local businesses is a key priority for the project team. Access for customers, deliveries and services will be maintained throughout construction, although access routes may change as work moves through different areas. We'll continue to provide clear signage and regular updates to help people find and access local businesses.

Local businesses play an important role in the Lincoln community. We encourage residents and visitors to continue shopping locally, using local services, and supporting businesses during this time. Making the effort to access local businesses can make a big difference in helping them remain successful during these important improvements.

You can contact the team about the project via lincolntcplan@selwyn.govt.nz and we would encourage you to sign up to our e-newsletter to receive regular project updates.

We know construction can be disruptive for local businesses. To help, Selwyn District Council has established the Lincoln Town Centre Fund, which provides financial assistance to eligible businesses directly affected by the Stages 2 and 3 works.

Please visit the Council website for information about eligibility, funding and application dates.

We'll do our best to keep you informed before construction starts near your property or business.

You'll receive a hand delivered start work notice in your letterbox before work begins in your area. We'll also share updates through our project e-newsletter and on the Lincoln Community NZ Facebook page.

For the latest information on traffic management and roadworks, we encourage you to follow Selwyn District Council's Roadworks and Public Notices Facebook channel, which you can access through our Facebook page. Or to view the latest start work notices on the Lincoln Town Centre website and on the Council Roadworks and Closures website.

If you'd like to check when work is expected near your property or have a specific question, please get in touch with the project team at lincolntcplan@selwyn.govt.nz

We know trees are important to the community and will retain them wherever possible. As part of Stage 1 of the Lincoln Town Centre project, more than 50 new trees were planted throughout the town centre to help create a greener and more attractive environment.

There are currently no Council owned street trees along the Stage 2 and 3 route. As part of the upgrade project, the available space within the road corridor is needed for important improvements, including a safer road layout, wider footpaths, cycle facilities, and underground services. Unfortunately, this means there is not enough room to plant new street trees along the route.

Any trees that may need to be removed are on private property, and any decisions about removal are made directly with the affected property owners. We understand that trees are valued by the community and are committed to minimising impacts wherever possible while delivering improvements that will make it safer and easier for people to move around Lincoln for years to come.