The New Zealand Transport Authority confirmed on Wednesday it will invest more than $60 million in road and intersection upgrades in Selwyn over the next five years.
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Mayor Sam Broughton said the council was delighted with the announcement and it will bring a significant boost to the district.
"The work on SH1, both the overbridge and work between Burnham and Rolleston are projects we have been discussing with NZTA for a few years now and we are delighted that they have been confirmed," he said.
"We’re very pleased to hear that the intersection improvements in West Melton will be happening.
"This has been a major concern for residents and is welcome news, especially for families of children at West Melton School," he said.
The funding package includes upgrades to State Highway 1 to continue the extension of the Southern Motorway currently under construction through Rolleston.
It also provides upgrades to four intersections along SH1 between Burnham and Rolleston.
This will include a new two-lane overbridge that will connect Rolleston Drive to Jones Rd across SH1.
"The new overbridge will also provide for pedestrians and cyclists and will pass over the main rail line, improving safety by avoiding the existing road level rail crossing on Hoskyns Rd." Mr Broughton said.
"NZTA announced work on this project could begin as early as 2022 and take three years to complete."
"NZTA also confirmed it will carry out safety improvements at the intersection of SH73 and Weedons Ross Rd in West Melton, expected to be traffic lights, which will provide a safer crossing point for pedestrians."
The work is expected to start in 2021.
