Client: Christchurch City Council
Duration: June 2023 – Mid-2025

Scope of Works:

Fulton Hogan has successfully completed Christchurch City Council’s Halswell Junction New Link Road – Stage 2, marking the end of a significant infrastructure project that strengthens transport connectivity across the southwest of Christchurch. Delivered in partnership with KiwiRail, the project enhances safety, improves traffic flow, and supports future growth in the industrial and commercial precincts surrounding Hornby and Islington.

The completion follows a carefully coordinated delivery programme spanning complex road works, a new rail crossing, and extensive utility management — all executed with a strong focus on safety, quality, and community engagement.

Major Rail Crossing Delivered Safely and Efficiently
A key milestone in the project was the construction of a new rail crossing across the Main Trunk Line. This work was completed during a single weekend rail shutdown, requiring precision planning and the coordinated efforts of 26 operational staff working in structured “super shifts.” The crossing was delivered safely, on time, and without disruption to rail operations outside the planned window — a testament to the collaboration between Fulton Hogan, Christchurch City Council, and KiwiRail.

Innovative Utility Management Supports Smooth Delivery
With a high density of existing services in the project area, managing utilities was one of the most challenging aspects of the works. The team developed a dedicated Utility and Services Management Plan that proactively addressed service clashes, reduced potential delays, and strengthened communication with utility providers. This approach proved so effective that it has since been adopted as best practice across other projects.

Overcoming Challenges Through Strong Collaboration
The project experienced a period of delay due to an expanded KiwiRail scope and constrained availability of specialist rail resources. Despite this, the project team maintained progress through regular coordination, flexible programming, and transparent communication with key partners.

Community Engagement at the Core of Delivery
Throughout the extended construction period, local residents, businesses, and road users received ongoing updates to keep them informed of progress and traffic impacts. The project’s communications team responded to a high volume of enquiries, maintaining transparency through direct engagement, works notices, and e‑newsletters.

A Safe and High‑Quality Outcome
The completed project has delivered improved connectivity, a commissioned rail crossing, zero major safety incidents during critical construction stages, and high‑quality finishing that meets all compliance and durability requirements.

Key Learnings for Future Projects
The Halswell Junction New Link Road project highlighted the importance of early engagement with external partners—particularly at rail interfaces—and the value of robust communication and flexible programming when navigating uncertainty.