Doubts over RiverLink start debate puts Hutt City on tenterhooks
Thursday, 9 November 2023
Doubts over a start date for one of Wellington region’s largest infrastructure projects – already with price tag expected to top $1 billion – has left affected residents in limbo and the incoming government demanding answers.
Transport agency Waka Kotahi this week confirmed it could not provide a detailed timetable for the RiverLink project in central Lower Hutt, as planning was behind schedule.
The plan features upgraded flood defences, a new interchange on State Highway 2 with two bridges over the Hutt River, and relocated Melling Station. RiverLink, dubbed “transformational” for the city, would also create the infrastructure to support thousands of new apartments.
In September, Hutt City mayor Campbell Barry warned the $700m budget, set in 2021, was unrealistic and suggested $1.2b was a more likely figure. Other large projects in the city had gone up by as much as 250% during that period.
Waka Kotahi has consistently said it could not provide more details about the project or any potential cost increases as it was preparing the Interim Project Alliance Agreement (IPAA). That agreement involves lead designers and constructors AECOM Fletcher, Hutt City and Greater Wellington councils and iwi Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika and Ngāti Toa Rangatira.
National’s Hutt South MP Chris Bishop, who is likely to be the Minister of Infrastructure in the new Government, described the situation as “disappointing”. He wasn’t aware of potential delays until contacted by The Post.
“This is very concerning and the incoming government will demand a full briefing from officials,” he said.
One person keeping a close eye on progress is Boulcott resident Alison McKone.
Greater Wellington purchased her neighbour’s house 14 years ago as part of its plan to upgrade river defences. The new stopbank borders her property and she was told construction would begin nearby.
McKone expected the work would be highly disruptive, so wanted “certainty”.
“We really still don’t have a timeframe at this stage … I don’t think they know.”
In a April press release, Waka Kotahi said main construction would begin “later this year and be completed in 2027”.
Spokesperson Kesh Keshaboina told The Post the IPAA process involved a detailed review of the consented design to “build an understanding of the scope and risk to confirm a price to deliver the project”.
It was hoped it would be completed by December, but that proved too optimistic.
“It’s important to take the time to get the IPAA phase right to ensure cost, scope and design decisions are fully informed and made on the best evidence available and to reduce the risk for all parties.”
Work has already begun, removing properties in Melling and on the eastern side of the Te Awa Kairangi /Hutt River.
Hutt City Council director of economic development Kara Puketapu-Dentice acknowledged the project’s complexity had delayed the design stage.
The project would be “transformative” for the city and was still backed by all its partners, he said. It would enhance flood protection, improve the ecological health of the river, improve public transport and revitalise the city centre.
Greater Wellington chairperson Daran Ponter said he was aware of the delay, but his council remained committed to the project.
“It is work that has to be done. We are not going to let the people of the Hutt Valley down.”
Greater Wellington would continue with plans to upgrade flood defences, even if other aspects of the project did not go ahead.
Metlink confirmed it was still intending to close Melling Station for 18 months from July 2024.