Halswell Junction Road extension

Designed to improve efficiency and safety, this project delivers several important benefits, including:

• Safer and easier access onto Waterloo Road with the installation of traffic signals at the new intersection and level crossing. The new road layout also provides a more direct route through the industrial area, improving freight network connections to Waterloo Business Park and Pound Road.
• A more liveable environment for residential properties located on the old section of Halswell Junction Road (Panther Place), with reduced noise, vibration, and pollution. The new road link not only accommodates through-traffic but also serves as the new entry and exit point for two businesses that were previously accessed via the old road.
• Resealed road surfaces on Panther Place, Halswell Junction Road (between Foremans Road and Main South Road), and the intersection on Foremans Road, including a section of the road to the west.
• Safer and easier walking and cycling connections through the area.
  • North of the railway at the new intersection, we’re installing a new signalised level crossing for both pedestrians and cyclists, which will have double automatic gates. The signalised crossing connects to the South Express Major Cycle Route(external link), which is partially completed along Waterloo Road. We will be constructing a small section of this cycleway as one of the final works in this project. The cycleway’s construction is ongoing.
  • We also created a shared path on both sides of the new road link between Waterloo Road and Foremans Road, which can be used by both pedestrians and cyclists.

• Improved bus stop facilities on the new road link, including a new shelter on the southbound side and a new bus seat at the northbound stop.
• Kerb, channel and footpath renewals and landscaping enhancements.
• Upgraded water mains.

The old road link, currently still called Halswell Junction Road, will become a cul-de-sac and be renamed Panther Place.

To give people living in this section of the road some certainty, we have planned to change the road name and numbers in advance of the new road link opening.

The dates and process for this changeover will be directly communicated to those affected businesses and residents in the new year.

The new street name for the cul-de-sac was consulted on with properties in this section of the street, and on 14 December 2023, the Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board approved the name Panther Place.

To bring the project to completion, some final works will be carried out in 2025. The impact of these works will vary, as follows:

January to May – low impact

• KiwiRail will be preparing the necessary works for the railway signalling system installation.
• This work is not expected to have any significant impacts on the area.

May – high impact, one week

• Our roading contractor, Fulton Hogan, will be back on the ground to establish the signal-controlled intersection where the new road link and level crossing meet Waterloo Road.
• KiwiRail will complete the railway signal commissioning works, which include integrating the railway system with the traffic signals and switching over the railway signalling system.
• Final works at the intersection of Foremans Road to prepare for opening the new road link.

The KiwiRail works will require road closures at the level crossings included in the system changeover. We expect this to bring significant disruption for up to a week, although it may be reduced if some closures only apply at night. Detours will be in place.

Timing changes

It was previously anticipated that this work happening in May would take place in early 2025. However, the date has had to be moved to May due to the KiwiRail signalling work being so complex.

Significant impacts on the area are expected, including on KiwiRail’s network, several level crossings on local roads, and potentially the State Highway, meaning the level of planning between organisations is extremely high.

June to August – localised impact

Once the commissioning process is complete: 

• The new road link can open and will be in use immediately for anyone heading north.
• KiwiRail will disestablish the existing level crossing and this will be closed permanently, including to pedestrians.
• We will construct a small section of the South Express Major Cycle Route on Waterloo Road, just north of the old level crossing.
• South of the old level crossing, we’ll close the road to create a cul-de-sac (Panther Place). These works will include a new kerb and channel, some road resurfacing, and some new footpaths.

We will communicate the opening of the new road through a variety of marketing channels, along with providing updates to the freight industry and local community. During the transition period, there will also be additional signage on the road to direct traffic onto the new road.

We have completed the following key works:

• Creation of the new road link for Halswell Junction Road, between Foremans Road and Waterloo Road – Complete, but the road is not open. 
• Construction of the new level crossing to connect the new road link with Waterloo Road.
• Installation of new traffic signals at the new level crossing and Waterloo Road intersection – To be switched on in May.
• Foremans Road intersection works – including resealing, new traffic islands and new curbs.
• Resealed road surfaces on Panther Place, Waterloo Road adjacent to the existing level crossing, Halswell Junction Road between Foremans Road and Main South Road, and the intersection on Foremans Road, including a section of the road to the west.
• Watermain upgrades.

Additional features:

• The relocation of two bus stops to the new road link.
• Landscaping works, painted cycle lane markings, pedestrian refuge islands, kerb and channel renewals, and new shared paths.

Thanks for your patience as we complete the remainder of the work for this project.