Melling Road Transport Improvements milestone

On 19 September, we joined Hon Christopher Bishop, Minister of Transport, to turn the first sod of the State Highway 2 (SH2) Melling Transport Improvements project in Lower Hutt.

The Melling Transport Improvements is one of the Government’s Roads of Regional Significance (RoRS) and is a key part of the wider Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi – a combined programme of work between the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Hutt City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, and mana whenua Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika. This programme includes flood protection work and city centre infrastructure upgrades.

As part of the Melling Transport Improvements, the NZ Transport Agency (through the Delivery Alliance of AECOM and Fletcher Construction) will build a new grade-separated interchange, bridge over Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River, and remove the existing Melling/Tirohanga traffic lights, among other transport improvements in Lower Hutt.

The project aims to provide better access to and from State Highway 2 and Lower Hutt, resulting in less congestion and more efficient travel during peak periods. Additionally, it will improve safety for road users by removing the existing conflicting right-hand turn movements.

In the photo, from left to right: Daran Ponter (Greater Wellington Regional Council CE), Lee Hunter (Taranaki Whānui), Marius van de Wall (NZTA), Matthew Fairweather (Alliance Project Director), Mike Elliot (Fletcher Construction Major Projects GM), Hon Chris Bishop, Campbell Barry (Lower Hutt Mayor), Craig Davidson (AECOM NZ Managing Director), Brett Gliddon (NZTA CEO), Pieter Nieuwoudt (Design Director), Matt Hunt (NZTA), and Jetesh Bhula (NZTA).