RiverLink ‘unaffordable’, as work starts on stopbanks
Tuesday, 16 January 2024
RiverLink’s future looks increasingly uncertain, with its design described by a senior project manager as “not currently affordable”.
The admission is further bad news for the Lower Hutt project – which had an initial $700m budget, but is already expected to exceed $1 billion. Included are new vehicle and walking/cycling bridges across Te Awa Kairangi /Hutt River, an interchange at Melling and upgraded flood defences.
Although at the design stage since May, it became clear progress had stalled.
Programme director Matt Trlin told The Post work was about to start on flood control in the central city and a design had been submitted for the rest of the project. The design, however, was not financially feasible.
The alliance managing it includes the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Hutt City and regional councils, and contractors.
“With regard to progressing the wider programme of work, the proposal submitted by [the alliance] is not currently affordable,” Trlin said.
The design phase timeline had been extended to March while ways to bring down costs were explored, he said.
In September, Hutt City mayor Campbell Barry said the $700m budget set in 2021 was insufficient and $1.2b was a more likely figure.
Then Hutt South MP and new Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop last week said it was clear RiverLink was under financial stress and every aspect of the design need to be re-examined.
Waka Kotahi director of regional relationships Emma Speight said initial RiverLink costings excluded property purchases, insurance, initial design, pre-implementation work and consenting.
The Post understands contractors are reluctant to commit to the complex project without agreement as to who will fund future cost increases.
Speight cited commercial sensitivity in refusing to comment on whether this was a factor in the ongoing delays.
Decisions on future funding, including requests to the Government for more cash, would be considered towards the end of the design process in March, she said.
Meanwhile, work will shortly begin on the part of the project that was the catalyst for RiverLink – upgrading flood defences.
When the regional council first floated the need for improved stop banks, it was noted this could only be achieved by building a new Melling bridge, which in turn led to calls for an interchange.
A contract for raising the stopbank between Melling Bridge and north of Mills St has been signed with AECOM and Fletcher Construction.
Greater Wellington chairperson Daran Ponter was relieved work was finally starting.
“This section of the river has the highest risk of flooding along the entire river corridor, so we’re thrilled to get this part of the project under way. There have been some sleepless nights worrying about the risk around this section of the river.”
The work is expected to take six months and cost about $20m.
Barry, the Hutt City mayor, supported the work being treated as a priority.
“It will ensure residents and businesses in our community are protected from the impacts of flooding. It provides them with certainty and peace of mind.”
Flood protection facts:
– Lower Hutt is the most densely populated flood plain in New Zealand. It has a history of flooding that led to the construction of the existing stopbanks. Climate change means flooding is likely to be even more challenging in the future.
– The new stopbank will be approximately 1.5 metres higher, allowing more water to pass safely during floods.
– The existing stopbank between Melling Bridge and Mills St has the lowest level of flood protection in the area, with only 1-in-65 year flood event protection. Once it is finished the Hutt Valley will be protected from a 1-in-440 year flood event.