Melling Station is expected to close for about 36 months. Photo: LDR
The last train has left the station at Melling, for a while.
In a Christmas Eve statement, Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) confirmed the iconic station would close for about 36 months to enable construction of the Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi Riverlink project.
The station building would be relocated to a new site as part of the project, which included flood protection, river restoration and improvements to public transport, walking and cycling routes. The urban revitalisation of Lower Hutt's city centre was also part of the plan.
The new station and its park and ride facilities are being built about 300 meters south of the existing location.
GWRC chairperson Daran Ponter was on board for the station's final journey before it closed.
"Melling Station has served the Hutt Valley community for decades, and while we farewell its current location, we look forward to a future where the station is part of a modern, resilient transport network.
"Initially, we thought the entire Melling Line would need to close, but in the spirit of partnership we worked with NZTA, Hutt City Council and mana whenua to find solutions that best serve the public," he said.
The reopening of the station was planned to coincide with a new pedestrian and cycling bridge - a direct connection between Lower Hutt city centre and the station.
During construction, the Melling Line would remain open, with Metlink rail services terminating at Western Hutt Station. Public transport alternatives would be available where necessary.
The council's public transport committee chairperson, Ros Connelly, said they anticipated increased bus and train use as road congestion grew during construction.
"Every week day, around 370 passengers board trains at Melling. We know this closure will be disruptive, but we've planned carefully to provide alternatives.
"Additional Park and Ride spaces will be available at Petone Station, and bus routes 145 and 149 will be rerouted to connect with Waterloo Station, where fares to Wellington remain the same. We're also adding bike racks at key stations to support active travel."
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
