Resource consent to be fast-tracked for Melling interchange in Lower Hutt

Friday, 20 September 2019

The green light has been given for resource consent application for Lower Hutt's Melling interchange. (File photo)

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 on Friday the three partners involved in the project - NZTA, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Hutt City Council - had now agreed to fast-track a joint $5.6 million resource consent application.

'This is a solid and critical first step to get Melling under way,' Andersen said.

**READ MORE:

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Hutt Valley commuters are crying out for an interchange on State Highway 2 at Melling to relieve traffic congestion.

'It shows what's possible when local representatives are united and work together to achieve the best outcome for people.

'I'll 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 the interchange was a priority, the project had never been approved for funding, she said.

'We're not over the line yet, but we're 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 $50 million RiverLink project, which also involves relocating Melling Station and strengthening the Hutt River stopbanks to prevent flooding.

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

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.

New Zealand Transport Agency Director of Regional Relationships Emma Speight said the success of RiverLink depended on the coordinated design of the central city revitalisation, flood protection upgrades, and transport improvement projects.

'Jointly consenting the three projects will help ensure that 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.'

PROJECT 'CRUCIAL' FOR CITY - MAYOR

Hutt South Labour List MP Ginny Andersen says the approval is a critical first step for the project. (File photo)

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 can 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.

Mayoral challenger Campbell Barry said it showed what could be achieved when everyone worked together.

'This is really good news for the city.'

He acknowledged the role played by Bishop, Hipkins and Andersen in getting NZTA on-board.

The council, however, needed to learn from what had happened and take a more strategic approach to major roading projects.

Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce chief executive Helen Down said members would be delighted.

'It is fantastic news for the business community and they will take real heart from this. It will be good for business confidence.'

The decision reflected the united approach taken by residents, the city council and local MPs, which showed how important the project is to the city.

'The whole community can take credit for this.'

Regional councillor Prue Lamason said that after years of hard work, she was delighted by the announcement. 'I am so happy, I could pop.'

'TICKS ALL THE BOXES'

When Transport Minister Phil Twyford visited the site in August 2018 he said at the time the project 'ticks all the boxes'.

Two weeks later the Government released its National Land Transport Policy (NLTP) for the next three years, which made no reference to the interchange.

Following the announcement in April that the project wouldn't be considered for funding until after 2028, Wallace said the decision was a 'slap in the face'.

At the time, Hutt South MP Chris Bishop called the decision a 'disaster'.

Bishop said on Friday: 'It's good news and the most basic first step to getting Melling done. It's a victory for people power and the 8000-plus people who have signed my petition and attended the protest rally.

'But it doesn't solve the underlying problem of no funding for construction until 2029. We need to keep the pressure on.'