Government funding for overdue rail renewals on track in Hutt Valley

More than $143 million allocated in Budget 2025 for critical rail infrastructure renewals in Auckland and Wellington will start being invested in the Hutt Valley Line next month, through an upcoming series of off-peak rail closures.

Morning and evening peak time services will be unaffected, however off-peak trains between 9:30am and 2:30pm on the Hutt Valley and Melling lines will be replaced by buses on most weekdays from Monday 4 August to Thursday 27 November; during this period, buses will replace trains on the Wairarapa Line between Upper Hutt and Wellington only.

KiwiRail chief metro and capital programme officer David Gordon says receiving more rail funding is great, but requires more time on the tracks.

“The additional funding from this year’s budget allows us to get on with critical upgrades,” says Gordon.

“To deliver these improvements within the funding timeframe, we need to make the most of available work windows, which includes weekday rail closures during off-peak hours, allowing us to concentrate our efforts where the network needs it most.”  

Planned works during the four-month closure include replacing large sections of sleepers and line either side of Ava Bridge in Lower Hutt. Work on Ava Bridge begins Labour Weekend, at which point the pedestrian walkway will close to the public while sleepers are being renewed, followed by the construction of a new shared use path bridge. Old track infrastructure is also being replaced through Wingate Station and at Upper Hutt.  

Greater Wellington acting chair Adrienne Staples is pleased rail upgrades are being carried out before construction of the Melling interchange begins in December.

“Every rail closure, or block of line, improves the long-term resilience of our rail network. After years of underinvestment, Metlink and KiwiRail are working closely to ensure essential upgrades are delivered with as little impact on passengers as possible,” says Cr Staples.  

“With significant disruption expected on State Highway 2 during the construction of the Melling interchange, it will be crucial for passengers to have reliable rail services into Wellington city.”

Metlink senior manager of operations, Paul Tawharu, says the timing of the upcoming works is designed to reduce disruption for most passengers.

“By scheduling works during quieter parts of the day – between the morning and afternoon peaks – we can limit the impact on commuter services, but we acknowledge the impact of bus replacements on people’s journeys,” says Tawharu.

“Off-peak rail users are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time for travel, and to please be respectful of our frontline staff and transport officers.” 

Find the latest travel information on the Metlink website or app.