Step forward for Melling interchange

Funding for a resource consent application has been approved for the proposed Melling interchange in Lower Hutt, raising hopes the project will go ahead sooner than expected.

The news comes after the New Zealand Transport Agency announced earlier this year funding would not be considered for the State Highway 2 interchange, which is part of Lower Hutt’s RiverLink project, until after 2028.

Hutt South Labour list MP Ginny Andersen said yesterday the three partners involved in the project – NZTA, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Hutt City Council – had now agreed to fasttrack a joint $5.6 million resource consent application. ‘‘This is a solid and critical first step to get Melling under way.

‘‘It shows what is possible when local representatives are united and work together to achieve the best outcome for people. I will be looking to continue this approach to ensure the Hutt is making the strongest case to central Government.’’

Andersen said there had been a lot of ‘‘misinformation’’ about the project since it was announced in April that funding could be a decade away.

Although the Government had stated Cabinet minister

the interchange was a priority, the project had never been approved for funding, she said. ‘‘We are not over the line yet but we are now ready to go if that funding does become available. This reduces the risk of delays and delivers the most cost-effective option for all partners.’’

The interchange would allow traffic lights at the busy Melling intersection to be removed, allowing traffic to flow freely through the area.

It would comprise a diamond interchange with an on-ramp and off-ramp connecting to the highway, as well as a new bridge over the Hutt River to Queens Drive and a redesigned central city.

It is central to Lower Hutt’s $50m RiverLink project, which also involves relocating Melling Station and strengthening the Hutt River stopbanks to prevent flooding. Designers say an interchange and new bridge are crucial to the project, because the existing bridge restricts the level of flood protection the area could have.

NZTA director of regional relationships Emma Speight said the success of RiverLink depended on the co-ordinated design of the central city revitalisation, flood protection upgrades, and transport improvement projects.

‘‘Jointly consenting the three projects will help ensure designs are aligned, make a clearer case for resource consents, reduce the risk of delays, and deliver cost efficiencies for all partners.’’

Senior Government MP Chris Hipkins, who recently organised a meeting with all the parties involved to find a way forward, welcomed the announcement.

‘‘Melling is one of the key gateways to Lower Hutt, and for those travelling through the Hutt Valley it is often a real choke point along State Highway 2.’’

The announcement was met with delight by Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace.

‘‘This is a victory for the people and commonsense has prevailed.’’

He was pleased the Government and NZTA has listened to the people of Lower Hutt and he said it showed what pressure could achieve. The project was ‘‘crucial’’ to the future growth of the city and the council regarded it as the number one priority.

Now that issue of consenting had been resolved, his focus would shift to getting NZTA and the Government to agree to fund the Melling Interchange. ‘‘I will be continuing the fight.’’

Public rallies were planned for October and November, and he planned to keep the pressure on the Government.

‘‘Melling is one of the key gateways to Lower Hutt.’’ Chris Hipkins