'Not happy about it': Business may be forced to move if flyover plan goes ahead

An artist's impression of the planned Rolleston overbridge. Image: Supplied

A business with purpose-built headquarters at Rolleston is faced with having to move if the flyover goes ahead as planned.

Christchurch RV Centre office manager Allicia Beirne said under Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency's new concept plan for the project motorists towing caravans coming off the flyover may find it too tight to turn into the caravan and motorhome business’ entrance.

Changes to flyover plan

"We are not happy about it, we don’t want to move, we haven’t even been here 12 months," Beirne said.

A Waka Kotahi spokesperson said it was in discussion with Christchurch RV Centre for alternative access options.

"One of the options being weighed up at the moment is relocating their business to another site," the spokesperson confirmed.

The roading authority was actively engaging with directly affected parties to mitigate their concerns around access to their sites.

Drummond and Etheridge Rolleston, which is based next to the Christchurch RV Centre, is also among the businesses with concerns about the plan.

Branch manager Murray Chesterman said he was awaiting more details before making further comment.

Not all Jones Rd businesses are happy with the new flyover concept plan. Image: Supplied

However, some Jones Rd businesses support the new plan.

MTF Finance franchise owner Dan Groundwater said it will allow traffic to continue onto Jones Rd, while the original flyover plan released last year had proposed to take traffic away from it.

U-Tow New Zealand spokesperson Tony Walker said the new flyover would potentially give more exposure to his business as it exited nearby.

Waka Kotahi director of regional relationships James Caygill said the roading authority was seeking feedback to July 22.

The $125 million project aims to improve connections across the highway between Rolleston’s residential side and industrial and business hubs and railway inland port zone.

"Since public consultation last year, the team has taken another look at ways the residential and industrial sides of Rolleston can be better connected," Caygill said.

Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton welcomed the changes.

He said as well as safer ways to cross and connect Rolleston, the plan offered people more travel choice.

"This project will provide better travel options, keep our people safe and help our district’s economy grow,” Broughton said.