The existing traffic lights on State Highway 2 at Melling (and Block Road) are congested and unsafe. With around 40,000 journeys through this intersection every day, it’s imperative we build the new interchange and make this inter-regional link safer for everyone.
The Melling transport improvements will create safer journeys for all road users, improve access between Lower Hutt and the state highway, provide better access to quality transport choices, and improve security and availability of road network.
Yes. We are progressing the Melling transport improvements through the delivery alliance of AECOM and Fletcher Construction.
The Project Alliance Agreement (delivery contract) was signed in April 2025. We aim to begin main construction later this year, following site establishment in September 2025
Until then, we’ll continue to finalise the detailed design alongside early works (e.g. demolition, ground investigations, etc.).
$743 million has been allocated for the construction of the Melling transport improvements.
The existing Melling intersection is located in a complex environment between the Western Hills, State Highway 2, Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River and the rail corridor. It is also on the Wellington fault line, sits above the Waiwhetū Aquifer and is one of the main transport links into the busy central city of Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai - Lower Hutt.
Because of this, the Interim Project Alliance Agreement (IPAA) was extended to review the project’s design, plan how it will be built, and agree on the cost.
While this has taken longer than originally anticipated, it has been important and ensures our decisions on cost, scope and design decisions are fully informed and made on the best evidence available and reducing risk for all parties.
This has also helped us better understand the construction schedule and how things like traffic management will work throughout the project.
We've worked hard to find opportunities to improve value for money. Some of the more significant changes to the project include:
Smaller changes include reduction in median and shoulders requirements, removal of some service bays, and removing some path provisions (pedestrian and cycling) – e.g. removal of paths on the northern side of the interchange bridges.
The consented Melling interchange design was a diamond interchange at SH2 south of the existing intersection, which linked to the intersection at Queens Drive and Rutherford Street via the new Melling River Bridge.
The revised concept is a partial cloverleaf design and uses loop ramps for traffic coming off the state highway which enables the traffic joining the state highway to run on the same signal phase. These intersections are beneficial when needing to accommodate a high volume of conflicting right hand turn movements.
The Melling station needs to be moved to facilitate construction of the new interchange and road bridge.
Melling Line Closure(external link)
The design allows for the railway line to be extended north in the future however, the construction of this is not within the scope of the Melling transport improvements project.
The Melling transport improvements (part of Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi) will be completed by NZTA through the delivery alliance of AECOM and Fletcher Construction.
Alliances are increasingly used to deliver complex and challenging design and construction of major infrastructure, especially where the risks are unpredictable and are best managed collectively.
In this environment there are also opportunities for joint problem solving and innovation, often resulting in more affordable and efficient delivery of projects.
We have a good track record of working alongside more than 40 alliances on projects including:
We will continue to progress the Melling transport improvements through the delivery alliance of AECOM and Fletcher Construction. This includes
Note: There will be other components of the wider programme that the delivery alliance will deliver on behalf of NZTA, and Greater Wellington Regional and Hutt City councils, such as where the bridge, stopbanks, and local roads all meet.
Other components of Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi will be delivered by the respective programme partners.
NZTA will continue to work with Greater Wellington Regional and Hutt City councils to ensure the programme is delivered efficiently and in a coordinated manner.
Main construction is set to begin in 2025, following site establishment in September.
Resource and material costs within the construction and infrastructure industry have escalated. These increases in part have come from global Covid-19 impacts which include, general inflation from a monetary policy used to stimulate the economy, and demand and supply issues from restricted movements of goods (internationally).
We’re committed to minimising the impact of construction as much as possible during this project.
We’ll continue to work closely with each other, alongside local businesses, residents, and transport providers to carefully plan and manage disruptions. This includes learning from similar projects across New Zealand to apply best practices and keep things running as smoothly as possible.
Some disruption will be inevitable, particularly with changes to how people travel around the city. At times, certain areas may need to be temporarily closed to ensure safety for everyone, whether they’re walking, cycling, driving, or using public transport.
We’ll provide regular updates well in advance, so you'll know what’s happening and can plan accordingly. Our goal is to keep the city and region moving while we deliver this important infrastructure.
While these disruptions may be inconvenient at times, this project will bring long-term benefits to the community. We appreciate your patience and understanding and encourage everyone to look out for one another during this time.
The transport improvements we're making at Melling are a part of Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi, a programme of work which also includes flood protection work and city centre infrastructure upgrades in Lower Hutt. You can keep up to date with the programme by signing up to the email newsletter.
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No. The majority of properties that have been demolished are to make way for the upgraded stopbanks, which are critical flood protection infrastructure required to safeguard Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai - Lower Hutt community and other critical infrastructure from severe weather events.
The properties are also required for new roads and the new Melling train station.
