A significant roading project in Rolleston, near Christchurch, has reached a new milestone, with a contractor now being sought to carry out physical work on Stage 1 of the development.
The State Highway 1 Rolleston Access Improvements project, described as a Road of Regional Significance, aims to improve transport connections through the fast-growing Selwyn District.
“Rolleston is at the heart of the Selwyn District, which has been the fastest growing district in New Zealand, which makes these transport improvements all the more important,” said New Zealand Transport Agency Regional Manager Sean Walsh.
Stage 1 includes construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of Dunns Crossing Road, Walkers Road and State Highway 1. The roundabout is intended to improve safety and access for motorists entering Rolleston and the nearby industrial area, easing congestion and supporting freight movement.
The design, property acquisition and consent processes for Stage 1 have been completed, with construction expected to begin in October once a contractor is appointed. The work is expected to be completed by December next year.
Stage 2 of the project will include a new flyover connecting the township with the industrial area, the removal of two signalised intersections on SH1, safety upgrades to high-risk intersections, motorway lane extensions, and improvements to the Hoskyns Road rail crossing. Construction for this stage is expected to begin in October 2026.
Last week, NZTA issued a Request for Tenders for the Stage 1 physical works contract. The contract includes building the roundabout, realigning and widening parts of SH1, Dunns Crossing Road, and Walkers Road, making improvements to the Weedons interchange, and constructing a new rail level crossing on Walkers Road.
Walsh said some disruption during construction was inevitable, but efforts would be made to minimise impacts on road users and the local community.
“It’s a positive sign to see progress on projects like this one, adding to a series of projects already underway or in planning on the state highway corridor between Timaru and Lyttelton ports,” he said.
The full Rolleston Access Improvements project is expected to be completed by late 2028, at an estimated cost of between $180 million and $200 million.
