Funding for Lower Hutt's Melling interchange won't be considered for almost a decade

Wednesday, 17 April 2019

Funding for a proposed interchange at Melling in Lower Hutt won't be considered for almost a decade. (File photo)

The decision to shelve a proposed Melling interchange in Lower Hutt for at least a decade has been described as a 'slap in the face' and 'terrible news for the Hutt Valley'.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) announced its preferred design for the interchange on Wednesday, but at the same time said the project would not be considered for funding until after 2028.

The preferred design includes a diamond interchange connecting to State Highway 2, as well as a new bridge over the Hutt River to Queens Drive.

An interchange on State Highway 2 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.

Without a new bridge at Melling, plans to upgrade Lower Hutt's flood protection will be significantly compromised.

**READ MORE:

* Petone-Grenada delayed by by a decade

Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace says the announcement is a 'slap in the face'. (File photo)

* Bridge delay could impact Hutt flood protection

* MP fears Hutt road plans will suffer

Hutt South MP Chris Bishop says the decision is a 'disaster'. (File photo)

* Design for Melling interchange in June 2017

* Lower Hutt commits to $39m river promenade**

A 2009 artist's impression of what the Hutt River promenade and new Melling Bridge might look like.

Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace said the delay to the project was a real blow to the Hutt Valley.

'For us, it's just simply unacceptable. It's just a real slap in the face for the people of Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt.

Transport Minister Phil Twyford (second from left) visited the site of the proposed interchange in August.

'This is a crucial interchange that has to happen, and it has to be part of the flood protection improvements [at the Hutt River].

'The announcement is not really approving it [the project]. It's approved when it's funded, and the NZTA is not prepared to fund it.'

Hutt South MP Chris Bishop said the decision was a 'disaster', especially following the announcement a week ago that a proposed highway between Petone and Grenada had also been pushed back.

'This is terrible news for the Hutt Valley and comes straight after the effective cancellation of the Petone to Grenada highway.

'[Transport Minister] Phil Twyford turned up for a 'photo-op' on the Melling bridge [in August], but the Government has again let down the Hutt Valley badly by delaying the project until at least 2028, and with no guarantee of funding to even get the next stage underway.'

Wallace said he would seek an urgent meeting with Twyford over the decision, and he has received support from Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy.

'It is crucial for us,' Guppy said. 'State Highway 2 is important for Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt, for our commuters and economy.'

The intersection was a choke point and a major cause of congestion.

NZTA director of regional relationships Emma Speight said a business case would now be completed, with funding for the next phase of the proposal, including further design and consenting, to be considered early next year.

'Funding for construction of the Melling transport improvements will be considered beyond 2028.'

The interchange has been talked about for decades and has implications beyond easing traffic congestion.

It is part of the joint RiverLink project between Greater Wellington Regional Council, Hutt City Council, and NZTA to improve the Melling intersection, upgrade flood protection, and turn the Lower Hutt CBD towards the river.

Labour List MP Ginny Andersen said she was delighted the project had been given the green light.

'It is fantastic news for the city and a big deal for the central city, and I am thrilled.'