Revised concept design for Melling Interchange

On 6 June, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and Te Awa Kairangi Alliance shared the revised concept design for the Melling Interchange.

The design provides better access to / from the state highway, Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai – Lower Hutt, and the Western Hills, by building a grade-separated interchange and removing the existing traffic lights at Melling from the state highway.

It also includes:

• new and improved walking and cycling paths
• better connections for residents and businesses on Tirohanga and Harbour View roads, and
• better access to public transport (with the relocation of the Melling train station and its park and ride facilities).

Learn more at www.teawakairangi.co.nz/mellingimprovements or come to our public information evening at the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce on Thursday 20 June (4.30pm– 7.30pm).

Artist's impression of the new Melling interchange (note, traffic lights are not shown at the intersections on the image)

Mills St stopbank permanent works moving ahead

Tremendous progress is being made on the stopbank between Melling Link Bridge and Mills Street. With site establishment complete, workers are now focused on permanent works, which includes stopbank construction and gravel extraction from Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River.

Approximately 65,000 cubic metres of gravel is being extracted to construct the upgraded stopbank—that’s enough to fill 26 Olympic-sized swimming pools. This will increase the river’s flow capacity during floods, and the gravel will be used to construct the stopbank. Large rocks continue to be brought in, with 6,000 tonnes delivered to the site so far. The rocks will absorb the impact of energy from the water, slowing down the flow.

As with any large project, construction vibrations can cause anxiety or concern. To address this, we’ve been monitoring and recording data and conducting spot checks within and near the construction zone. We will continue to monitor vibration levels through to the end of construction.

For more information on this and Stage 2, visit teawakairangi.co.nz/mills-st-stopbank

Lower Hutt skatepark ready to roll this summer

Designs for a new skatepark at Avalon Park have been released by Hutt City Council. The new skatepark is scheduled to open

in Summer 2024/2025 and will replace the existing Melling Skatepark on Block Road, which will be demolished to make way for construction of the new State Highway 2 Melling Interchange.

The skatepark incorporates features requested by the community during consultation and was designed using local knowledge through a specialist advisory group comprising roller, scooter, BMX and skateboarding experts.

It will include six skate zones that cater to beginner, intermediate and expert users, including:

• a mini bowl
• five different quarter pipes
• various rails, curbs and pole jams
• a five-sided funbox with ledge, and
• weather shelters, park furniture and CCTV.

The new skatepark will be built by skatepark designers Convic and has been funded through the Melling Transport Improvements.

For more information, visit huttcity.govt.nz/ new-skatepark-for-avalon-park

More information

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Website: www.teawakairangi.co.nz

Email: info@teawakairangi.co.nz

About Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi

Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (Te Awa Kairangi) – The Soothing Waters of Te Awa Kairangi is a partnership between iwi Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika and Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Greater Wellington, Hutt City Council and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, with the Alliance of AECOM and Fletcher Construction.

You can learn more at www.teawakairangi.co.nz