Work will begin later this month on a new bridge over State Highway 1 (SH1) in Rolleston which will better connect residential and industrial areas, following the opening of other major improvements, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop. 

“Rolleston is at the heart of the fastest growing district in New Zealand. Currently, SH1 carries around 24,000 vehicles per day, 11 percent of that heavy vehicles, with expectations it could reach 33,000 over the next 20 years. SH1 needs an upgrade to get ahead of that growth and we’re getting on with it,” Mr Bishop says. 

“Since turning the first sod on this project in October last year, the SH1 Rolleston Access Improvements, a Road of Regional Significance project, has continued to move at pace with Fulton Hogan successfully delivering the first of two stages.

“A new roundabout and road alignment at the Dunns Crossing and Walkers Road intersection with SH1 is now fully open, making it safer and easier to enter or exit Rolleston at the southern end of the town, and providing a less congested connection for freight into the industrial area.

“A pedestrian and cycling subway next to the new roundabout is also now open to the public, providing a safe route under SH1 that will connect people with planned cycling or shared paths in the area either side of the state highway.

“Having now opened the major components of the first stage of improvements on schedule and within budget, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has now appointed Fulton Hogan to start construction and delivery on the second stage.

“The centrepiece of the project’s second stage will be a new bridge that passes over SH1 and the railway line, connecting Rolleston’s residential areas with its industrial and business areas.

“The new bridge will have two lanes for vehicle traffic travelling into the industrial area, accommodating the largest traffic flows, with a single lane for traffic travelling into Rolleston’s residential area. A shared use path for walking and cycling is also planned for one side of the bridge.

“The design of the bridge has also been future proofed, with the overall width of the bridge able to accommodate an additional traffic lane if needed. The bridge support structures are also wide enough to accommodate any future four laning of SH1 underneath the bridge when required. 

“Early work will start shortly for this second stage, including site clearance to make way for the new bridge. Piling is expected to get underway in October, and the bridge is due to be completed and open to the public by the end of 2027. The remaining work on SH1, including removal of two signalised intersections, work on local roads and the rail level crossing, will be complete by the end of 2028. 

“I want to thank road users and freight operators for their on-going patience as these crucial works are delivered. Ensuring SH1 is reliable, accessible, and safe, is a priority for the Government, and we’re getting on with these important upgrades.”