Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi update

14 August 2025

In this issue

• Main construction starts soon
• Reminder: Melling Bridge and Block Road evening closures

Main construction starts soon

Over the next few years there will be significant changes across Lower Hutt – and as more work within Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi gets underway, there will be changes to how you move around the city. 

A coordinated construction programme is now available on our website to help you understand what’s happening, when and where.

This programme highlights construction activities starting from September to December 2025. More information about the activities in 2026 and beyond will be added as they are confirmed.

It includes work being completed by Greater Wellington, Hutt City Council, and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

We’re committed to minimising the impact of construction as much as possible during this programme. But it’s important to remember that large infrastructure projects like this, are complex and disruption will be inevitable.

While these disruptions will be inconvenient at times, we’ll make sure access to and from the city and state highway are maintained throughout construction, and provide information on upcoming disruption as construction progresses.

We appreciate your patience and understanding and encourage everyone to look out for one another when more construction starts later this year.

If you have any questions about the programme, please email us.

Reminder: Melling Bridge and Block Road evening closures

We are part way through some night-time road closures at Melling to allow for tree removal on both sides of the river. This is important flood protection work along Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River.

Because the trees are close to Melling Bridge, health and safety requirements mean the bridge is closed to all traffic between 9pm and 5am from 12–18 August (weather permitting).

Pedestrian and cyclist movements across the bridge are being catered for under intermittent escort (on both sides of the bridge). However, we advise cyclists and pedestrians planning to use the bridge after 9pm on these nights to consider alternate routes.

For the same reasons, Block Road in Melling is also closed in both directions between 9pm and 5am from 12–21 August. Pedestrian and cyclist movements on the adjacent trail are also being catered for under escort.

Signposted detours for both road closures are in place.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we get this important work completed.

More information

For more information about Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi, please visit our website or email our team.