Key Takeaways
- Melling Station has closed for approximately 36 months for construction of the Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi Riverlink project
- The station building will be relocated to a new site, and a new station and park and ride facilities are being built about 300m south of the existing location
- The Melling Line will remain open, with Metlink rail services terminating at Western Hutt Station, and public transport alternatives will be available
- Additional Park and Ride spaces will be available at Petone Station, and bus routes will be rerouted to connect with Waterloo Station
- The project aims to improve flood protection, river restoration, and public transport, walking, and cycling routes, as well as urban revitalization of Lower Hutt’s city centre
Introduction to the Closure of Melling Station
The last train has left the station at Melling, marking the beginning of a significant closure period for the station. In a statement released on Christmas Eve, the Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) announced that the station would be closed for approximately 36 months to enable the construction of the Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi Riverlink project. This project is a comprehensive initiative that aims to improve flood protection, river restoration, and public transport, walking, and cycling routes in the area. The urban revitalization of Lower Hutt’s city centre is also a key component of the plan.
The Relocation of Melling Station
As part of the project, the station building will be relocated to a new site, and a new station and park and ride facilities are being built about 300m south of the existing location. The new station is expected to be part of a modern, resilient transport network, and its reopening is planned to coincide with the completion of a new pedestrian and cycling bridge. This bridge will provide a direct connection between Lower Hutt city centre and the station, making it easier for commuters to access the city. GWRC chairperson Daran Ponter was on board for the station’s final journey before it closed, marking the end of an era for the current station.
Impact on Public Transport
The closure of Melling Station is expected to have a significant impact on public transport in the area. Initially, it was thought that the entire Melling Line would need to close, but through partnership and collaboration with NZTA, Hutt City Council, and mana whenua, solutions were found to minimize the disruption. The Melling Line will remain open, with Metlink rail services terminating at Western Hutt Station. Public transport alternatives will be available where necessary, and additional Park and Ride spaces will be available at Petone Station. Bus routes 145 and 149 will be rerouted to connect with Waterloo Station, where fares to Wellington remain the same.
Alternative Transport Options
The council’s public transport committee chairperson, Ros Connelly, acknowledged that the closure would be disruptive but emphasized that careful planning had gone into providing alternatives. "Every week day, around 370 passengers board trains at Melling. We know this closure will be disruptive, but we’ve planned carefully to provide alternatives," she said. The council is also adding bike racks at key stations to support active travel, recognizing the importance of providing sustainable transport options. With road congestion expected to grow during construction, the council anticipates increased bus and train use, and is working to ensure that public transport services can meet the demand.
The Future of Melling Station
The closure of Melling Station is a significant milestone in the Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi Riverlink project, which aims to transform the area and improve the quality of life for residents and commuters. The new station and surrounding infrastructure are expected to be completed in approximately 36 months, and the council is working to ensure that the disruption is minimized during this time. As the project progresses, the community can look forward to a modern, resilient transport network that meets the needs of the growing region. The reopening of Melling Station will mark a new era for public transport in the area, and the council is committed to providing a high-quality service that supports the community’s needs.