MEDIA RELEASE
27 November 2009

NZ Transport Agency Wellington Regional Office

Investigations under way on highway improvements from Melling to Haywards

NZTA has started investigating potential improvements to State Highway 2 through the Hutt Valley from Melling interchange to just south of the Haywards intersection.

The Melling to Haywards Upgrade Project investigation will identify and develop a scheme of improvements to address safety and relieve congestion on the highway. This will include improving the connections between the Western Hills suburbs and Hutt City and eliminating the reliance on SH2 for local trips.

An investigation into the upgrade of both the Melling and Kennedy Good interchanges and adjacent intersections will be part of the study. The investigation will include consultation with affected and interested parties which will begin early next year.

“As a key commuter route connecting Wellington with the Hutt and Wairarapa, State Highway 2 is vital to the economy of the lower North Island,” Wellington State Highways Manager Rob Whight says.

“The investigation of this seven kilometre section of highway is the latest NZTA study into upgrading this corridor. The intention is to implement improvements similar to those recently completed on the Dowse to Petone Upgrade Project in future. This has significantly improved the travel experience for both commuters and local residents.

“A coordinated approach with the Hutt City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council is essential to the study which will take into account flood protection and recreational use of the Hutt River corridor and the city council’s ‘Making Places 2030’ design framework for its central business district.”

ENDS

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