Politicians all aboard as Melling Station reaches the end of the line

Politicians from around the region marked the end of an era for Melling Station as they boarded the last departing and arriving trains tonight before the station closes for approximately 36 months to enable construction of the transformational Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi Riverlink project.

The 6.07pm service from Wellington to Melling and the 6.37pm service from Melling to Wellington were the final journeys.

The station building will be relocated to a new site as part of the project, which includes crucial flood protection and river restoration work, improvements to public transport, walking and cycling routes, local roads and the SH2 Melling Interchange, as well as urban revitalisation of Lower Hutt’s city centre.

Greater Wellington Chair Daran Ponter, who was on board for the final journey, says it was a bittersweet moment.

“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," says Cr Ponter.

The closure will result in short term disruption for passengers but will help revitalise the city. The reopening of the new Melling Station is planned to coincide with a new City Link pedestrian and cycling bridge, creating a direct connection between Lower Hutt city centre and the station. This important work not only helps connect more people to the city but also provides vital flood upgrades to greater protect the people, businesses and destinations that make Lower Hutt a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

During construction, the Melling Line will remain open, with Metlink rail services terminating at Western Hutt Station. Public transport alternatives will ensure passengers can continue to travel conveniently.

Greater Wellington’s Public Transport Committee Chair, Ros Connelly, says the regional council has anticipated increased bus and train use as road congestion grows during construction.

"Every weekday, 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," says Cr Connelly.

Public transport alternatives

• Rail: Peak-time services on the Hutt Valley Line have capacity for extra passengers.
• Bus: Routes 145 and 149 will connect western hill suburbs to Waterloo Station.
• Park and ride: Temporary additional spaces at Petone Station.
• Cycling: Bike racks at Waterloo and Petone stations; access to Petone Station via Te Ara Tupua cycleway.

Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi is a partnership between Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Greater Wellington, Hutt City Council, and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

Visit Metlink for more public transport information