Early works continue to progress

Work is continuing well on the Rolleston Access Improvements Project, with several pieces of key early work now underway. Over recent weeks, crews have removed vegetation, trees and roadside infrastructure on the southern side of SH1 to prepare for future road widening, utility relocations and construction of the new bridge.

New underground service trenches have also been installed across SH1 at Brookside Road and Tennyson Street, making sure essential services are in the right place before major construction begins later this year. Most of this work took place at night to reduce disruption for road users.

While construction is underway, some traffic disruption is unavoidable. We'll do our best to minimise this and help people move through the area as safely and efficiently as possible.

Site clearance and earthworks have been completed at the corner of Kidman Street. There is reduced on-street parking, and the pedestrian footpath has been closed on the west side of Rolleston Drive North, between Norman Kirk Drive and Kidman Street. A pedestrian detour via Norman Kirk Drive is in place – please follow signage. Bus stops will also be relocated – for more information please check:

All detours and updates | Metro Christchurch

Working alongside mana whenua

We’ve partnered with Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Te Taumutu Rūnanga to help shape elements of the project. Mana whenua representatives are involved in urban design and artwork and soon we’ll see the artwork in the subway completed and the pou whenua installed in the reserve at Dunns Crossing Road.

Here’s a sneak peek at the artwork in the subway being painted and we’ll share more on the story behind this – and the pou whenua – in the coming months.

Jones Road upgrades

Lots has been happening on Jones Road, where work is underway to prepare for the future bridge connection and signalised intersection. The existing footpath has been removed, site demolition completed, and around 200 metres of underground ducting and shared trenches have been installed. The building at 801 Jones Road, formerly the Christchurch RV Centre, has also been demolished ahead of bridge piling later this year.

Over the coming weeks, crews will continue installing power services, street lighting, stormwater infrastructure and ducting for future traffic signals.

We appreciate everyone’s patience with the one-way traffic system which will be in place on Jones Road (between 820 Jones Road and Hoskyns Road) until early 2027.

The shops and businesses are fully open and accessible, and we encourage the community to continue to shop local and support the businesses on Jones Road.

New speed limit confirmed

Following public consultation, NZTA will reduce the speed limit on a 2.6km section of SH1 Rolleston, between Brookside Road and Dunns Crossing Road, from 100km/h to 80km/h.

Submitters shared mixed views. Some supported the lower speed limit because of safety and turning movements, while others considered the road suitable for the current speed limit and raised concerns about travel times. After considering feedback and technical assessments, NZTA has decided to proceed with the change.

There’s still some work to be completed in the area – see below. Once this has been completed and an implementation date confirmed, we'll update the speed limit review website linked below with the latest information.

Targeted speed limit reviews: Canterbury, West Coast, Southland

Final touches near completion at Dunns Crossing

Work is also continuing on the final stages at Dunns Crossing Road with landscaping and artwork in the subway close to completion. Final asphalt surfacing and line marking will begin in October, weather permitting, and will include resurfacing work on Walkers Road and Dunns Crossing Road.

Temporary speed limits will remain in place while this work is completed, before the new speed limit of 80km/h takes effect.

For more information see our website. You can also subscribe for work notices, which will outline the days, time and duration of specific pieces of work that may cause disruption. 

For specific questions email rollestonaccess@nzta.govt.nz.