Client: Selwyn District Council
Duration: September 2022 – June 2023

Scope of Works:

Fulton Hogan has successfully delivered the Shands Road Intersections Upgrade for Selwyn District Council, marking a significant milestone in the region’s infrastructure development. The project, centred on the construction of a modern roundabout at the intersection of Shands and Hamptons Roads, demonstrates the team’s ability to overcome complex challenges and deliver high-quality results for the community.

Building Under Pressure
Despite the challenges of constructing two roundabouts during the winter months and managing six separable portions simultaneously, the project team maintained traffic flow on one of Canterbury’s busiest roads. “Delivering this scale of work in such a short duration, especially over winter, is a standout achievement,” said Project Manager Simon Tucker. “Our team’s ability to coordinate multiple work fronts and keep the community moving was critical to our success.”
Innovation in Action
A key innovation was the decision to change the pavement build-up to a cement-treated basecourse. This allowed construction to continue efficiently through adverse weather, minimising delays and ensuring programme certainty. “We adapted our methodology to suit the season and site constraints, which made a real difference,” Tucker explained.

Overcoming Challenges
Traffic management was a major hurdle, with council requirements dictating one-lane operation only during school holidays and two-way traffic at all other times. The team also encountered asbestos in a house scheduled for demolition, requiring a rapid change in methodology and crew arrangements to ensure safety and compliance. “Our ability to problem-solve and adapt on the fly was tested, but we delivered,” Tucker noted.

Stakeholder Engagement
The project was well received by the community and Selwyn District Council, despite the inevitable frustrations caused by detours and disruptions. The team increased correspondence, signage, and community updates to keep everyone informed and engaged. “Proactive communication helped us maintain positive relationships and manage expectations,” said Tucker.

Outcomes and Lessons Learned
The team minimised delays through adaptive construction methods and resourcing. Key lessons included the importance of early identification of utility conflicts, robust risk management for hazardous materials, and flexible traffic management planning.

“This project really showcased our ability to adapt and deliver under pressure. The collaboration between our crews, the council, and the community was outstanding.” — Simon Tucker, Project Manager

Ready for the Future
The Shands Road Roundabout project highlights Fulton Hogan’s expertise in delivering complex intersection upgrades in live, high-traffic environments. The experience gained is directly relevant to future road network upgrades and complex infrastructure projects across Canterbury and beyond.

For more information or to view project photos, visit Fulton Hogan’s Website or contact Selwyn District Council.