Keep up to date with progress on the new Rolleston Flyover on SH1. For the latest construction updates and project information, visit the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi website here.

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What's happening

Selwyn continues to be the country's fastest growing district, with a lot of that growth centered in its largest town, Rolleston. Over the next 20 years, the number of vehicles travelling through Rolleston is expected to increase from around 24,000 to 33,000 each day.

As traffic increases, it will become harder to access Rolleston’s township and industrial areas, which could lead to increased congestion and safety issues.

To support this growth, reduce congestion and improve safety, the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is delivering the Rolleston Flyover as part of the Rolleston Access Improvements Project. The flyover will start at Rolleston Drive North, cross over State Highway 1 and the railway line, and connect directly to the industrial area at Jones Road. The project also includes improvements to State Highway 1 (SH1) through Rolleston to improve access, traffic flow and safety.

Construction of the new flyover is expected to begin in October. Early works are already underway, with the project scheduled for completion by the end of 2028.

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What work has Council completed to support the Rolleston Flyover project?

Selwyn District Council has been working with NZTA since 2021 to prepare Rolleston's local roads to accommodate the new flyover and the recently completed SH1 roundabout at Dunns Crossing Road.

To date the Council has completed:

  • Widening and upgrade works on Levi, Jones, Two Chain and Walkers Road
  • Installation of traffic signals at Levi/Lowes Road and Lincoln Rolleston Road
  • Installation of traffic signals at Dunns Crossing and Burnham School Road

In addition, the Council is planning to construct a new roundabout at Walkers and Two Chain Road, along with road realignment works at the Jones Road rail level crossing and Wards Road intersection. Together, these improvements will strengthen freight and heavy vehicle access between the Rolleston Industrial Zone and the new SH1 roundabout via Walkers Road.

These works are part of a coordinated approach between NZTA and the Council, designed to strengthen local arterial road connections through Rolleston, and improve safety and access to and from SH1.

Why this matters for Selwyn

The project will improve connections between Rolleston's town centre, residential areas and major employment hubs such as IZone and IPort, making it easier and more efficient for people and freight to move around the district. The flyover also includes pathways for walking and cycling. By reducing congestion and improving access to key destinations and State Highway 1, the flyover will help improve travel times and ensure Selwyn can continue to grow without putting extra pressure on local roads.

How this may affect you

During construction, residents, businesses and road users may experience:

  • Temporary traffic management and reduced speed limits
  • Changes to road layouts and access routes
  • Construction noise and increased heavy vehicle movements
  • Occasional disruptions while major works are underway

As construction activity increases around Rolleston Drive and Hoskyns Road, road users are encouraged to use the Weedons Interchange via Levi Road and Jones Road to avoid the main areas of construction.

NZTA will provide further information about construction activities, traffic impacts and any temporary changes as work progresses.

You can find all of the latest work notices on the NZTA website.

Stay informed

For the latest project updates, construction notices and traffic impacts, visit the NZTA project page: SH1 Rolleston access improvements | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

You can also:

Selwyn District Council will also be sharing key updates with the local community through our Road Works and Closures page, Public Notices Channel and the Rolleston Community Group Facebook page to help residents stay informed about works across Selwyn.

Who is leading the Rolleston Access Improvements Project?

NZTA Waka Kotahi is leading the Rolleston Access Improvements Project, including the new flyover and associated State Highway 1 improvements. We are at Stage 2 of the Rolleston Access Improvements Project with the new roundabout on SH1 at Dunns Crossing Road completed as part of Stage 1.

Selwyn District Council has been working alongside NZTA by delivering upgrades to local roads and intersections that support the project.

When will construction begin?

Main construction of the Rolleston Flyover is expected to begin in October 2026, with early works already underway.

How will Stage 2 affect Rolleston?

Starting in October 2026, Stage 2 will involve construction work in and around key transport routes, which means residents and commuters can expect some disruption while work is underway. This may include temporary traffic changes, reduced speeds, and occasional delays, particularly during peak travel times.

Access to homes, schools, and businesses will be maintained as much as possible, and any changes will be communicated in advance. While construction may be inconvenient at times, it is an important step toward improving traffic flow, reducing congestion, and making travel through Rolleston safer and more reliable in the long term.

Stage 2 is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.

How will this affect traffic in Rolleston day-to-day?

During construction, people can expect some day-to-day changes to how they travel around Rolleston. There may also be changes to intersections or lane layouts as work progresses. With construction increasing around Rolleston Drive and Hoskyns Road, road users are encouraged to use the Weedons Interchange via Levi Road and Jones Road to avoid the main areas of construction.

These changes will be managed to keep traffic moving and maintain access to key routes, homes, schools, and businesses wherever possible. Updates will be shared in advance on the NZTA project page so residents can plan ahead, the Selwyn District Council Public Notices Channel, Rolleston Flyover page and through the Rolleston Community Group, so residents can plan ahead.

Once completed, the flyover is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and safety by reducing congestion and wait times, making day-to-day travel through Rolleston more reliable, especially during busy periods, and removing the need for drivers to cross the main railway line.

What measures are being taken to minimise disruption to residents?

Work is being carefully planned and staged to minimise disruption as much as possible while construction is underway. This includes scheduling works to reduce impacts during peak travel times when feasible, giving the community and road users as much advance notice as we can, and managing traffic with clear signage, temporary layouts, and reduced speeds to keep people moving safely.

NZTA Waka Kotahi will provide more detailed information about construction impacts, traffic management, and any changes to access closer to the time, including updates to help residents plan ahead.