Petone to Melling Cycleway Update

Work is continuing on the Petone to Melling section of Te Ara Tupua. We have recently confirmed a new schedule for completion of the project. The project is now expected to be complete by early 2023.

The project has taken longer than expected for a number of reasons. One of these is because of the requirements in place to work safely between the rail line and State Highway 2 – a narrow and confined space. We have also had to work around important underground infrastructure, like pipes and fibre broadband cables, which has been more complex than first thought.

We acknowledge that this is frustrating and that ongoing construction activity on the project can be disruptive to people in the area. We are working hard to provide this safer cycling option as soon as possible.

Temporary traffic changes June - December

Starting this month, for approximately six months we will be working on two ramps near Normandale Overbridge. The first is alongside SH2, the other is between the rail line and Parliament Street. The ramps connect the cycleway to a new underpass beneath the rail.

State Highway 2

On SH2 this work will require us to work alongside the southbound lanes of SH2, and make temporary changes to the road layout from early July. The northbound lanes of SH2 will not be affected by this work.

During the day, including at peak traffic times, there will be reduced lane widths and a reduced shoulder width passing the work site. The speed limit will be temporarily reduced to 70km/h.

Although we will not usually be working during the day, we need to temporarily relocate a barrier to provide a safe working area, meaning that the changed road layout and the temporary speed reduction will be in place at all times.

An optional alternative route is provided for people cycling who wish to avoid the narrowed shoulder area. Please adhere to the temporary speed limit and be aware that the lanes and shoulder are narrower than normal. Vehicles will be closer together, and closer to people cycling on the shoulder.

Work on the new cycle ramp will mainly take place at night. When we areworking at night, SH2 southbound will be reduced to one lane. This will provide space for trucks and work vehicles to access the site and deliver materials. Please drive with care if passing the site at night.

Parliament Street

Work will resume soon on Parliament Street, and a one-way detour will be put in place – the same as earlier in the project. Until the end of 2021, Parliament Street will be open to northbound traffic only, with a detour via Herbert Street and Laery Street in place for southbound traffic. Footpaths will remain open.

Please be aware that there will be bus stop changes as a result of the one-way detour.

More information

For more information on the Te Ara Tupua project, contact us at TeAraTupua@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/TeAraTupua