Contractors have been appointed for the design and construction of the new shared-use bridge across Te Awa Kairangi Hutt River.

The new bridge, an essential connection across the river, will clip on to the existing rail bridge, making the structure stronger, safer, and wide enough for pedestrians and cyclists.

Designs will be developed by Egis NZ Limited and shared with the community in October 2025.

Mayor Campbell Barry says, "We fought hard to keep this link open and I’m proud we’ve secured 50% Government funding to make it happen. It shows what’s possible when local and central government work together to get outcomes that matter to our communities."

"This new bridge will be safer, stronger, and better for everyone who walks or bikes across the river every day."

The existing footbridge must be removed as part KiwiRail’s work to replace ageing infrastructure on the rail bridge.

KiwiRail starts their renewal works on the rail bridge over Labour Weekend (from Saturday 25 October), which includes replacing the sleepers that currently support the walkway.

The footbridge will be closed to pedestrians from this date. The nearest safe place for crossing the river until the new shared-use bridge opens will be Ewan Bridge to the north or Waione Bridge to the south. The rail bridge will continue to have frequent passenger and freight trains on it both day and night.

GK Shaw Limited has been contracted to complete the new bridge and Council is coordinating with KiwiRail so construction can start as soon as the rail upgrades are completed in late January 2026.

The new bridge is expected to be complete and open for the public by mid 2026.

Keep up to date on progress of the new Ava Rail Bridge Shared Path here

KiwiRail’s renewal programme across the Wellington metro network is aimed at improving resilience and reliability for rail users, with the Ava Bridge one of several major upgrades underway. For more information contact KiwiRail: contactus@kiwirail.co.nz

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