Rolleston Roading Upgrades Begin, Driving Growth and Jobs in Canterbury

Major transport improvements are underway for Rolleston and the wider Selwyn District, marking a major milestone in the Government's plan to improve regional connectivity, safety, and economic growth in Canterbury.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop confirmed that construction has begun on the State Highway 1 (SH1) Rolleston Access Improvements project, one of the Government's designated Roads of Regional Significance. The project aims to deliver safer, faster, and more efficient transport links between Christchurch, Rolleston, and key industrial hubs in the South Island.

"The State Highway 1 Rolleston Access Improvements project will provide safer, easier, and more efficient transport connections for people and businesses in the Selwyn District — the fastest-growing district in New Zealand and an important gateway to Christchurch," Minister Bishop said.

A $200 Million Investment in Growth and Safety

The full project — with an estimated cost of between $180 and $200 million — is part of the Government's $7 billion infrastructure investment programme announced in July. It is expected to generate hundreds of local jobs and support long-term regional development.

Fulton Hogan has been selected by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to deliver the physical works for Stage One, which will be completed by the end of 2026.

Mr Bishop said the project demonstrates the Government's "commitment to getting things built" and improving freight efficiency across key growth corridors.

"This project is another example of the Government backing economic growth in the regions and helping fast-growing communities to thrive," he said.

Stage One: Building a Safer, More Efficient Gateway

The first stage of the Rolleston Access Improvements focuses on safety upgrades, intersection redesigns, and improved access for freight and commuters.

Key Stage One features include:

• A new roundabout at the Dunns Crossing Road and Walkers Road intersection with SH1, easing congestion and reducing crash risks.

• A pedestrian and cycle subway under SH1 at the new roundabout to improve active transport connections.

• Realignment and widening of SH1, Dunns Crossing Road, and Walkers Road carriageways.

• Replacement of the existing rail level crossing with a new, safer crossing at Walkers Road.

• Efficiency upgrades to the Weedons Interchange, improving flow for vehicles accessing Rolleston from Christchurch.

Stage One will significantly reduce delays for residents and freight operators, particularly those servicing the Rolleston Industrial and IZONE business precincts, which have become central to Canterbury's logistics network.

Stage Two: A Flyover and Major Intersection Upgrades

Stage Two, due to begin in the final quarter of 2026, will deliver even greater efficiency and safety benefits, transforming SH1 into a modern, high-capacity corridor suited for the district's rapid growth.

Stage Two will include:

• A flyover connecting Rolleston township directly to its industrial and business areas, reducing traffic pressure on SH1.

• Removal of two traffic-light intersections at Hoskyns Road and Rolleston Drive North, replacing them with safer, free-flowing alternatives.

• Extension of southbound motorway lanes to just south of the new Rolleston bridge.

• A new southbound service lane to provide access to Rolleston's business and town centre.

• Upgrades to the Hoskyns Road rail level crossing, addressing long-standing safety concerns.

Once completed in late 2028, the upgraded corridor will allow smoother, faster freight movement between Christchurch and South Canterbury while enhancing commuter safety and reliability.

Economic and Community Benefits

The Rolleston Access Improvements project will be a major economic catalyst for Selwyn District, which has been one of New Zealand's fastest-growing communities for over a decade.

The district's population has surged from fewer than 45,000 people in 2013 to more than 80,000 in 2024, with projections suggesting it could exceed 100,000 by 2030.

The improved SH1 corridor will support this growth by:

• Reducing congestion during peak travel periods;

• Improving freight reliability, benefiting Canterbury's manufacturing and logistics industries;

• Boosting construction employment throughout the project's lifespan; and

• Enhancing safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

Local businesses have welcomed the project as a "vital link" in ensuring that the region's transport infrastructure keeps pace with population and industrial expansion.

Part of a Broader Infrastructure Push

The Rolleston project is one of many transport developments being accelerated as part of the Government's broader "Roads of Regional Significance" strategy. This plan aims to restore investment in strategic roads, particularly in high-growth areas that have seen infrastructure strain in recent years.

In Canterbury alone, projects include:

• Christchurch Northern Motorway safety and capacity upgrades,

• Ashburton Bridge replacement, and

• State Highway 75 improvements to Akaroa.

Nationwide, more than $7 billion in roading and infrastructure projects are expected to be underway before Christmas — a programme designed to boost regional productivity and reduce the cost of transport for freight and commuters alike.

"When we invest in infrastructure, we're not just building roads — we're building opportunities," said Bishop. "Every kilometre of new or upgraded highway helps drive productivity, create jobs, and make daily life easier for families and businesses."

A Long-Term Vision for Canterbury's Future

The Rolleston Access Improvements are a cornerstone of the Government's long-term vision for Canterbury — one that positions the region as a thriving economic hub with strong links to Christchurch, Timaru, and the rest of the South Island.

By 2028, when the full project is completed, Rolleston will be connected to a safer, faster, and more reliable transport corridor capable of handling both population growth and industrial expansion.

"The investment we're making here is about future-proofing," Bishop said. "It's about ensuring the infrastructure keeps pace with growth so that Rolleston and Selwyn can continue to thrive as key drivers of Canterbury's economy."