Work begins on SH2 Melling Transport Improvements

From this month more work will be happening at Melling as we start building the new interchange.

We have some site preparation to do before we can start on the new interchange. At the moment this won't affect how you travel, but there will be some minor changes later in the year – we'll share information about these well ahead of time, so you know what to expect.

This month workers have started building a haul road alongside the state highway (which will be used to transfer material to and from the worksite). Because this will close part of the river trail, we’re building a temporary walking and cycling path on the other side of the river (more on this below).

We’re also relocating underground services and setting up prefabricated buildings at our sites. You'll see increased activity in the areas around Pharazyn St, Block Rd, Rutherford St, Queens Drive, and the riverbank areas north of Melling Bridge. 

Hutt River Trail closure

As part of building the new Melling interchange, we need to close the Hutt River Trail on the western (State Highway 2) side of Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River between Block Road and Kennedy Good Bridge, from early October 2025 until at least May 2026.

We need this area for a haul road and material storage – which frees up space elsewhere on the project site so we can work more efficiently, as well as keeping construction traffic off the roads as much as possible.

An alternative temporary shared path is being built along the eastern (city) side between Kennedy Good Bridge and Melling Link Bridge. It will be three metres wide, surfaced with compacted gravel, and be set well back from Harcourt Werry Drive behind the streetlights, and closer to the riverbank in some areas due to existing vegetation. The new temporary path will be available as soon as the western side is closed.

The temporary route is slightly less direct than the one it’s replacing, so if you’re commuting, please allow extra time for your journey. We’ll have clear maps and wayfinding signage around the area. The team appreciates the loss of amenity and will reopen the area as soon as possible.

Watch: Building rocklines on Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River

Watch Greater Wellington project manager Robbie Woods describe how we’re building rocklines, providing nature-based erosion protection, and protecting the environment.

This is all part of important flood protection work as part of Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi.

For more information, visit our website.

Streetscapes: Exploring the next phase

Thank you to everyone who stopped by at the Riverside Market on 30 August or attended our High Street drop-in sessions on 9, 10 and 11 September. It was great to chat about the future of our city centre and answer questions on the wider programme of work.

Our most recent phase of engagement focussed on potential investment scenarios for street upgrades. These include essential works - like the closure of Daly Street and changes to connect the new City Link Bridge.

Alongside these must-do works, we asked city centre businesses and the wider community to help prioritise potential upgrades by looking at three possible scenarios:

• Cross City Connections – making it safer, easier, and more appealing for pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities to move through our city centre streets.
• Civic Connections – strengthening links between civic, cultural and retail attractions so city centre businesses benefit and visitors can enjoy multiple experiences in one trip.
• Riverside Precinct - expanding previous High Street upgrades into surrounding streets to support outdoor dining and events, and enhancing the area for residents and businesses.

We wanted to know: which scenario is preferred, and why? And beyond the essentials, which works should be prioritised for investment?

The ideas and feedback gathered will continue to shape the plans as they develop, ensuring business and community voices influence decisions right from the start.

For Businesses - Opportunities for businesses to get involved in the programme

All the programme partners are focused on providing opportunities for local businesses, workers and suppliers throughout this large programme of works. 

Greater Wellington has already begun stopbank construction and river works along Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River.

Later this year, NZ Transport Agency will begin the Melling Transport Improvements main construction works and Hutt City Council will begin design work on the CityLink bridge from 2026.

As more opportunities arise to tender for work, we will notify businesses.

More information on work for tender will be shared in future updates. In the meantime, fill out a Registration of Interest in projects being delivered across the whole programme.

Find more information about procurement. You can also email our team with any questions.

Work with us

With construction activity ramping up over the coming months, we expect more than 20 new roles to be advertised between now and December 2025 – from engineers and administrators to CAD operators and environmental specialists.

Current vacancies

The following roles are currently available with our Alliance partners – Fletcher Construction and AECOM:

• Temporary Works Lead
• Quality Engineer
• Senior Operator

Tip: Set up a custom SEEK search using “Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi” to be the first to hear when new jobs are posted – including roles with Fletcher Construction and other project partners.