Hutt Valley reps request NZTA to urgently review decisions to defer roading projects

Wednesday, 1 May 2019

Funding has been approved for an interchange on State Highway 2 at Melling.

Hutt Valley representatives have called for an urgent review of the decisions to defer two major roading projects in the area for at least a decade.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) recently announced a proposed interchange on State Highway 2 at Melling, including a new bridge over the Hutt River, would not be considered for funding until at least 2029.

The announcement came a week after the agency decided to send a proposed four-lane highway between Petone and Grenada back to the drawing board, with no decision on its funding until 2028.

An interchange would removed the traffic light-controlled intersection on State Highway 2 at Melling. (File photo)

On Tuesday, Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace, Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy, Hutt South MP Chris Bishop, and Wellington Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Milford wrote to the NZTA board requesting an urgent review of the projects.

**READ MORE:

An artist's impression of the proposed Petone-Grenada highway, which would link northern Wellington and Lower Hutt. (File photo)

* NZTA criticised for Hutt roading snubs

* Melling interchange funding decade away

Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace said he is disappointed and angry with the decisions. (File photo)

* Petone-Grenada delayed by by a decade

* Bridge delay could impact Hutt flood protection

Hutt South MP Chris Bishop is also calling for a review of the decisions. (File photo)

* MP fears Hutt road plans will suffer**

'Both the Petone to Grenada Link Road and a rebuilt Melling interchange are vital projects that must be progressed as soon as possible,' the letter said.

'Instead, your board has decided not to consider funding their construction until 2028 at the earliest. This wait is unacceptable.'

Traffic on SH2 was set to increase when the four-lane Transmission Gully motorway between Mackays Crossing and Linden north of Wellington was completed next year, the letter said.

'This will only compound the daily congestion experienced along State Highway 2 from Melling to Ngauranga.'

The interchange would replace the traffic light-controlled intersection at Melling to reduce congestion, while the highway link would connect the Hutt Valley and northern Wellington.

The interchange is part of the RiverLink project, a joint initiative between Hutt City Council, NZTA, and Greater Wellington Regional Council.

It also involves strengthening the Hutt River stopbanks to increase flood protection and revamping the Lower Hutt central city.

Wallace said the council had worked with NZTA for five years on consent applications for the flood protection proposal, and had expected the agency to begin the consent process for the interchange soon.

Without the new interchange and bridge, flood protection plans would need to be scaled back and would not offer the same level of protection.

'The Melling interchange is absolutely crucial. Hopefully we're going to get a positive response and we will be able to meet with the board.

'We want them to reconsider the timing of their consenting.

'There are so many positives to this project and I think they've been a bit short-sighted to put that off.'

Wallace would also be meeting with Transport Minister Phil Twyford next week to discuss the decisions.

An NZTA spokesperson said the request would be considered and a response would be provided.