Key Takeaways:
- The Melling Station in Lower Hutt has been closed for a projected three years as part of the $1.5 billion Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi RiverLink project.
- The station’s tracks and overhead cables have been removed, and the site has been handed over to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for relocation.
- Trains will continue to run on the Melling Line, terminating at Western Hutt station, until the new station is complete in late 2028.
- Public transport alternatives have been announced for the roughly 370 weekday Melling passengers, including rerouted bus services and extra capacity on Hutt Valley Line trains.
- The RiverLink project aims to strengthen the city’s flood defences, reorientate the city centre, and build new stopbanks and widen and deepen the Te Awa Kairangi Hutt River.
Introduction to the RiverLink Project
The Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi RiverLink project is a significant infrastructure development aimed at transforming the Lower Hutt city centre. The project, led by the Government, local councils, and mana whenua, has a budget of $1.5 billion and is expected to take several years to complete. One of the key aspects of the project is the relocation of the Melling Station, which has been closed for a projected three years. The station’s closure is a significant milestone in the project, and it marks the beginning of a new era for the city’s transport network.
Closure of Melling Station
The Melling Station was closed on Christmas Eve, with the last train departing at 6:37 pm. The closure was a poignant moment for the community, as the station has served the Hutt Valley for decades. The station’s building, which is heritage-listed, will be relocated 300m south as part of the project. The relocation is necessary to make way for a new State Highway 2 interchange, which will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in the area. The station’s tracks and overhead cables have been removed, and the site has been handed over to the NZTA for relocation.
Impact on Public Transport
The closure of Melling Station has significant implications for public transport in the area. The Greater Wellington Regional Council has announced alternative transport options for the roughly 370 weekday Melling passengers. Bus routes 145 and 149 have been rerouted to stop at Waterloo Station, and Hutt Valley Line rush-hour trains will have extra capacity. Additionally, Waterloo and Petone stations will have extra bike racks, and there will be more temporary park and ride spaces available at Petone. The council has assured commuters that the "short-term disruption" will ultimately help revitalise the city and provide a more modern and resilient transport network.
RiverLink Project Objectives
The RiverLink project has several key objectives, including strengthening the city’s flood defences and reorientating the city centre closer to the Te Awa Kairangi Hutt River. The project involves building new stopbanks and widening and deepening the river, which will help to reduce the risk of flooding and improve the city’s resilience to natural disasters. The project also aims to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in the area, making it easier for people to get around the city. The relocation of the Melling Station is a critical component of the project, and it will help to create a more modern and efficient transport network.
Heritage Listing and Demolition
The Melling Station building has been heritage-listed, which means that it cannot be demolished. The building has been closed for several years due to its asbestos-ridden state, and there were plans to demolish it and build a replacement at the new location. However, the heritage listing has prevented this from happening, and the building will instead be relocated to its new site. The building’s heritage listing is a significant factor in the project, and it has required careful planning and consideration to ensure that the building is preserved and protected.
Conclusion and Future Plans
The closure of Melling Station marks the beginning of a new era for the Lower Hutt city centre. The RiverLink project is a significant investment in the city’s infrastructure, and it will help to create a more modern and resilient transport network. The project’s objectives, including strengthening the city’s flood defences and reorientating the city centre, will have a lasting impact on the city and its community. The relocation of the Melling Station is a critical component of the project, and it will help to create a more efficient and effective transport network. The project is expected to be completed in late 2028, and it will be an exciting time for the city as it transforms and revitalises its transport network.