Work Begins on $1.5B Melling Transport and RiverLink Programme in Lower Hutt

Construction is officially underway on the long-awaited State Highway 2 (SH2) Melling Transport Improvements, a project designated as a Road of Regional Significance and described as “transformational” for Lower Hutt by Transport Minister Chris Bishop.

A Milestone for Lower Hutt

Minister Bishop marked the start of construction with a sod-turning ceremony, saying the project will ease one of the region’s most notorious traffic bottlenecks. “It’s going to be transformational for Lower Hutt – reducing congestion, improving safety, boosting public transport and active transport, and driving economic growth,” he said.

For decades, the Melling intersection has been a critical choke point for the 40,000 vehicles that pass through daily, creating delays for commuters, freight, and emergency services. The upgrades are expected to make the route safer and more reliable, while improving resilience against severe weather events.

Key Features of the Project

The Melling Transport Improvements project will deliver:

• A new grade-separated interchange at Melling to separate highway traffic from local traffic.

• A new bridge over the Hutt River, replacing the existing ageing structure.

• Upgraded walking and cycling routes to encourage active transport.

• Relocation of the Melling train station further south, alongside new park-and-ride facilities to improve access to public transport.

This integration of road, rail, and cycle infrastructure is intended to future-proof Lower Hutt’s transport network, ensuring it meets the needs of a growing population.

Part of the RiverLink Programme

The Melling project is one element of the much larger $1.5 billion RiverLink programme, a partnership between central government, Greater Wellington Regional Council, and Hutt City Council. RiverLink combines flood protection, transport improvements, and urban renewal, creating a more resilient and vibrant Lower Hutt.

• NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is contributing around $1 billion to the transport components.

• Greater Wellington Regional Council is investing $295 million, primarily in flood protection and environmental resilience.

• Hutt City Council is contributing $180 million to support city centre revitalisation.

The collaboration includes design and construction expertise from AECOM and Fletcher Construction, both experienced in large-scale infrastructure projects.

Timelines and Next Steps

Construction of the Melling interchange and new bridge is expected to be completed by 2031, after which the old bridge will be demolished in 2032. The long timeline reflects the project’s scale, engineering complexity, and integration with flood protection and urban development works.

Building for Growth and Resilience

Beyond easing congestion, the project is designed to strengthen flood resilience along the Hutt River corridor, a vital safeguard against increasingly severe weather events. With improved flood protection, the RiverLink programme is expected to unlock opportunities for housing and commercial development in the city centre.

Minister Bishop emphasised that the investment will not only benefit commuters but also the broader regional economy. “This project is part of a wider programme led by central and local government to boost economic growth in Lower Hutt, while also strengthening resilience and protection against floods and severe weather,” he said.

For residents and businesses, the beginning of construction marks the end of decades of uncertainty and the beginning of a new era of safer, more reliable, and sustainable transport for Lower Hutt and the wider Wellington region.