Action closer on Melling choke point
A clear run through the trafficclogged Melling intersection on State Highway 2 is a step closer.
Three new diamond interchange designs for the congested Lower Hutt turn-off were announced yesterday.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), which has not yet funded the project, is seeking public feedback on designs which will realign the highway and build a new bridge across the Hutt River.
Regional relationships director Emma Speight said the proposals were safer, reduced flood risk, and were accessible to walkers and cyclists.
NZTA scrapped 40 alternate options, such as a reworking of the existing intersection, for failing to solve safety, efficiency and flooding problems.
All of the proposed interchanges have on-and off-ramps from State Highway 2, and a separate pedestrian and cycleway overbridge.
The first proposal has two traffic light intersections on a new bridge over the Hutt River to Queens Drive. This would provide good walking and cycling connections, and a more compact city centre.
The second proposal would disconnect the Queens Drive bridge from that over the highway, and have three traffic light intersections. The indirect connection onto Queens Drive would reduce traffic more than the first option.
A third proposal features a diamond interchange but crosses over the river to Melling Link, the location of the existing bridge. This proposed bridge, over the narrowest part of the river, would have a greater flood risk.
As the bridge would be built around existing roading, traffic would be disrupted by construction.
After collecting public submissions, NZTA will decide on the preferred option and prepare a business case. Funding will be considered by its board. If the go-ahead is given, construction will begin in 2020.
The RiverLink project team – a conglomerate of NZTA, Hutt City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council – intends to improve flood protection, efficiency of traffic and contribute to the revitalisation of Lower Hutt’s city centre.
In addition to the interchange, the Melling railway station will be shifted south and cycleways improved.
Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace said he had been told a decision from the NZTA board would come in November.
‘‘We really need to see some urgent action on this ... It will give us a level of comfort and confidence that we will be progressing with this.’’
While an indicative cost of the project won’t be known until July, the council expected NZTA would provide funding.
‘‘This is a massive feeder route, therefore NZTA absolutely has a responsibility.’’
Wallace preferred the first proposal for the city’s development. ‘‘But we’ll be guided by what the community tells us.’’
Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce president Neville Hyde said the proposal of a full interchange was positive.
‘‘We have a real issue with congestion at Melling ... it’ll become more critical once Transmission Gully is in place, because we envision a lot of increased traffic.
‘‘Flooding potential with the existing bridge is a matter which just has to be addressed.’’ Public submissions are open until June 10. For more details, visit: riverlink.co.nz