The State Highway 1 (SH1) Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass, Road of National Significance, has been granted Fast-track approval.

This is the 27th project and the second roading project to be approved through the Fast-track process.

New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) lodged its application in December 2025, with approval taking around four months since the appointment of an independent expert panel.

“This expansion between Belfast and Pegasus spans around 11 km, commencing from south of the Kaiapoi River Bridge and ending just north of the Pegasus/Ravenwood intersection,” says Mr Bishop.

“SH1 approaching Woodend currently carries around 21,500 vehicles a day, including around nine percent freight. With traffic volumes expected to grow to around 28,000 vehicles a day by 2048, the new road will improve safety, reduce congestion, unlock housing growth, and support economic development.

"It is also expected to reduce predicted deaths and serious injuries from 5.6 per year to 1.25 per year.

"The panel found that effects on transport, ecology, stormwater and flooding could be managed through consent conditions. These include construction, traffic and ecological management plans, ongoing monitoring, and creating a new wetland to offset habitat loss."

“This project will unlock housing and urban development potential in the Woodend, Ravenswood and Pegasus townships. North Canterbury has seen significant residential and commercial expansion and the Waimakariri District has emerged as one of the fastest-growing local authorities in NZ," says Mr Jones.

More information about the project:State Highway 1 North Canterbury – Woodend Bypass Project (Belfast to Pegasus)

Fast-track projects approved by expert panels:

Expert panels have been appointed for: