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

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.

Stage 1 of the project has now been completed delivering improvements at the Dunns Crossing Road and Walkers Road intersection, along with upgrades at the Weedons interchange to improve access and traffic flow. The project is now progressing to Stage 2.

A key component of Stage 2 is a new bridge connecting Rolleston Drive North and Jones Road, crossing over State Highway 1 and the railway line to provide a safer and more direct connection between Rolleston's township and industrial areas. The project also includes a range of improvements to SH1 through Rolleston to improve safety, access and travel reliability.

To support this growth, reduce congestion and improve safety, the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is delivering the Rolleston bridge as part of the Rolleston Access Improvements Project. The bridge 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 bridge is expected to begin in October. Early works are already underway, with the project scheduled for completion by the end of 2028.

After the bridge has been completed, NZTA will also be making other improvements, including:

  • Changes to Rolleston Drive South, Brookside Road and Tennyson Street to remove high-risk right turns and improve safety through extending the median barrier.
  • A new southbound service lane and off-ramp to improve access to local roads and businesses.
  • The removal of traffic signals at Hoskyns Road and Rolleston Drive North, and the extension of southbound motorway lanes south of the bridge to help traffic move more freely along SH1.
  • A dedicated free left-turn lane from Hoskyns Road onto SH1, via an upgraded railway crossing, making it easier for people to access the highway.

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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 bridge 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 bridge also includes pathways for walking and cycling. By reducing congestion and improving access to key destinations and State Highway 1, the bridge will help improve travel times and ensure Selwyn can continue to grow without putting extra pressure on local roads.

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:

  • Subscribe to project updates and newsletters: here

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.

For any enquiries about the project, including construction and impacts on residents, please direct them to NZTA.