Welcome to One Network Wellington Live, your go-to source for transport updates in the Wellington region. Today, we bring you an exciting story about the Melling Interchange, a key part of the RiverLink project in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. This massive project, officially named Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi, promises to change how people travel, protect the city from floods, and make Lower Hutt a better place to live. Let’s dive into the journey of this game-changing project, from its early ideas to the big announcement in April 2025.

The Melling Interchange sits at the heart of the RiverLink project, a plan to fix long-standing issues in Lower Hutt. For years, drivers on State Highway 2 faced heavy traffic at the old Melling intersection. Congestion was a daily struggle, slowing down commutes and frustrating locals. Meanwhile, the Hutt River, or Te Awa Kairangi, posed a flood risk to the city, especially with climate change making storms worse. The RiverLink project tackles these problems head-on. It combines transport upgrades, flood protection, and city improvements into one big plan. The Melling Interchange is the transport star of this effort, aiming to ease traffic and connect the city better.

The idea for RiverLink started decades ago. Planners knew Lower Hutt needed a better way to manage traffic and floods. By 2018, the project took shape with community input. Local councils, including Hutt City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council, worked with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to create a plan. They also partnered with mana whenua, Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika and Ngāti Toa Rangatira, to honour Māori culture. In 2023, the project got its Māori name, Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi, meaning “The Soothing Waters of Te Awa Kairangi.” This name reflects the focus on the Hutt River and the cultural values tied to it.

The Melling Interchange itself is a big piece of the puzzle. It replaces the old, congested intersection on State Highway 2 with a new grade-separated interchange. This means cars can flow smoothly without stopping at traffic lights. A new Melling Bridge will also cross the Hutt River, linking the interchange to Lower Hutt’s city centre. Additionally, the Melling train station will move south to better serve the city. This shift includes more parking and a new pedestrian and cycle bridge to make walking and biking easier. These changes aim to cut travel times, reduce crashes, and help people choose public transport or active travel like cycling.

However, the project isn’t just about roads. RiverLink also focuses on flood protection. The Hutt River has flooded Lower Hutt before, causing damage and worry. With climate change, the risk grows higher. So, the project includes upgrading stopbanks and widening the river channel. This work will protect against a 1-in-440-year flood, keeping homes and businesses safe. Alongside this, the river will get a makeover to improve its health, with new plants and better water flow. These efforts show how RiverLink balances transport needs with environmental care.

The journey to build the Melling Interchange wasn’t always smooth. Early on, planners looked at 43 different designs for the interchange between 2018 and 2021. They narrowed it down to three options, listening to community feedback along the way. By 2023, a deal was signed with AECOM and Fletcher Construction to form the Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi Alliance. This team would build the core parts of the project, including the interchange. Yet, costs soon became a challenge. The project’s price tag jumped from NZ$1.47 billion to NZ$3.15 billion. Waka Kotahi put in NZ$2.1 billion, Greater Wellington Regional Council added NZ$619.5 million, and Hutt City Council gave NZ$378 million. Despite the rising costs, the government decided to keep going with the full plan.

In 2024, work began to prepare the site. Old buildings were torn down, and ground tests were done to make sure the land was ready. By June 2024, a new design for the Melling Interchange was shared with the public. This design showed a modern layout with overpasses, roundabouts, and green spaces. It promised to blend function with beauty, making the area more pleasant for everyone. Meanwhile, Hutt City Council made a tough call in November 2024. They stepped back from the Alliance model for some parts of the project, like the City Link Bridge, to save money. This move showed how seriously they took their budget responsibilities.

Fast forward to 2025, and the project reached a big moment. On 4 April 2025, the Minister of Transport, Chris Bishop, announced that construction on the Melling Interchange would start that year. Bishop, a Lower Hutt local and National Party MP, had pushed hard for the project. He stood alongside Campbell Barry, the Mayor of Hutt City, and Daran Ponter, the Chair of Greater Wellington Regional Council, to share the news. The next day, on 5 April 2025, the three leaders held a special event. They showed off a large picture of the new interchange, smiling proudly for the cameras. The image they held matched the 2024 design, with its sleek roads and green areas, giving locals a clear view of what was coming.

Campbell Barry, wearing his mayoral chain, spoke about the project’s benefits. He explained how the Melling Interchange would boost Lower Hutt’s economy and make life better for residents. Daran Ponter added that the flood protection work would keep the city safe for years to come. Chris Bishop, as Transport Minister, stressed the importance of fixing traffic problems at Melling. He also noted that the government was committed to the project, even with the higher costs. Together, their words painted a picture of hope and progress for Lower Hutt.

Construction officially began in February 2025, starting with more demolition work. By then, the old Melling area was cleared and ready for the new interchange. As a bonus, a new skatepark opened at Motutawa Avalon Park, giving the community something to enjoy during the changes. However, not everyone was happy. The Melling train station’s relocation caused some worry. Greater Wellington Regional Council called it a “bitter pill” for commuters, as the station would close for a while starting mid-2025. Still, the councils worked to keep people updated and reduce disruptions.

The Melling Interchange and the wider RiverLink project will take time to finish. Experts say it will be ready around 2031, six years from the start of construction. When it’s done, Lower Hutt will have a modern transport system that cuts travel times and reduces crashes. The new Melling Bridge and relocated train station will make the city centre easier to reach. Walking and cycling paths will encourage healthier travel options. Plus, the flood upgrades will protect the city from the Hutt River’s worst threats. On top of that, the project includes city centre upgrades, like a riverside promenade and new streetscapes, to make Lower Hutt more attractive for living and working.

For locals, the Melling Interchange means more than just a new road. It’s a sign of growth and care for the future. The partnership with mana whenua ensures the project respects Māori values, especially around the Hutt River. The name Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi reflects this connection, reminding everyone of the river’s cultural importance. As the project moves forward, it will bring jobs, housing, and new opportunities to Lower Hutt, helping the city thrive for years to come.

At One Network Wellington Live, we’re excited to see the Melling Interchange take shape. This project shows what’s possible when councils, government, and communities work together. It’s not just about fixing traffic or floods—it’s about building a better Lower Hutt for everyone. So, whether you’re a driver, a cyclist, or a resident near the Hutt River, the Melling Interchange and RiverLink have something for you. Stay tuned to One Network Wellington Live for more updates on this incredible journey. We’ll keep you in the loop as Lower Hutt steps into a brighter, more connected future.