Chris Bishop
National List MP and candidate for Hutt South
Media statement
15 September 2017

Melling and Kennedy Good Bridge interchanges to be fast-tracked

Chris Bishop today joined Prime Minister Bill English and Transport spokesperson Simon Bridges to announce the fast-tracking of a new interchange at Melling and the investigation and design of an interchange at Kennedy Good Bridge.

“The Melling intersection has been a headache and a safety risk for the Hutt for many years so I’m delighted that the Government is fast-tracking a new interchange,” Mr Bishop said.

“Improving the Melling intersection was one of the top transport priorities for Hutt people in my recent transport survey in the electorate.

“Getting traffic into Lower Hutt faster without clogging up State Highway 2 will be a big bonus and it’ll be easier for people to get back across the bridge to the highway at the end of the day.

“This ease of access in and out of the Hutt CBD will be a boost to productivity and economic growth, so I’m really pleased.

“Construction is expected to start construction within the next three years if National is re-elected.”

The Melling Interchange will cost an estimated $72 million with the funding to come from the National Land Transport Fund and the budget capital allowance.

“We’re also working with Hutt City Council to find a replacement option for Melling Bridge which is the choke-point for water flow in the Hutt River and just isn’t wide enough to cope with traffic needs,” Mr Bishop said.

“A new interchange at the bottom of Kelson across Kennedy Good Bridge will be fantastic too, so I’m really looking forward to seeing the outcome of the investigation and design that National announced today.

“In time we’ll be able to travel from Upper Hutt to Petone with no traffic lights to disrupt the flow of traffic, and that’s going to make a big difference for Hutt commuters.

“These projects are also important because State Highway 2 is a critical route in and out of Wellington – linking the capital, the Hutt Valley and Wairarapa through to Hawke’s Bay.

“A detailed business case will be developed for both projects, which will also fully integrate flood management plans for the Hutt River.”

ENDS

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