Its successor bridge now carries State Highway 1 traffic, which crosses the railway line in Selwyn; initially, two right angle bends were provided, later to be replaced by a sweeping S-bend.

Aware of the plans for the Main South railway, Beetham bought a piece of land on either side of the gazetted corridor approximately 1 square kilometre (0.39 sq mi) in size.

Due to financial problems of the Canterbury Provincial Council, Selwyn remained the terminus of the line for some years.

At one point, Selwyn had a blacksmith, bootmaker, butcher, saddler, and a wheelwright, and amenities included a boarding house, billiard saloon, a hotel with stables, and some shops.

[2] The Rakaia River Bridge was formally opened by the provincial Superintendent, William Rolleston, on 29 May 1873.