Ava Rail Bridge upgrade deferred to end of 2025
Today KiwiRail confirmed it is deferring work to replace aging sleepers, rail and other structural maintenance on the Ava Rail Bridge in Lower Hutt until the end of 2025.
The pedestrian walkway, which was due to close on Sunday, is attached to the bridge and will now stay open until a few months before the usual Wellington rail network closure begins in late December.
Wellington Metro Infrastructure Manager Manjot Singh says KiwiRail has been working with Hutt City Council, who owns the walkway, Metlink and Wellington metro train operator Transdev on the deferral plan.
“The rail bridge is safe but the sleepers and rail are aging and need to be replaced, to ensure the reliability of Hutt Valley and Wairarapa Line passenger trains. At the same time, we recognise how important the walkway is to the community.
“To strike a balance, we are able to push the planned bridge renewals out to Christmas.
“It gives all parties time to consider replacement options. KiwiRail is helping by preparing an options study for the Hutt City Council, which will give an understanding of the different forms a replacement bridge could take and the costs involved.
“We’re pleased to be part of a solution that keeps the walkway open for longer. We will continue working with all the parties involved to ensure train services can continue running smoothly and a plan is developed so that Lower Hutt locals can continue to have access across the river at Ava.”
Jon Kingsbury, Director of Economy and Development Hutt City Council, says that the Ava walkway is a well utilised route that many people in the community use.
“We now have time to continue working together with KiwiRail on options for pedestrian access across the river.”
Metlink group manager Samantha Gain says Metlink and Transdev will work alongside KiwiRail, as the asset owner, to replan this project.
“There is already a 40kmh speed restriction on the rail bridge, due to the track’s condition. We understand KiwiRail will be increasing bridge inspections and taking steps to manage any further issues that could arise.
“Metlink, Transdev and KiwiRail are committed to ensuring train services continue to run safely and reliably using the bridge, until the renewal work can be carried out later this year.”
The Ava Rail Bridge and its walkway date back to the 1920s. The walkway sits on extended railway sleepers, which is not allowed under modern rail engineering standards. When the rail renewals work on the bridge begins, the walkway in its current form will be removed.
The walkway was planned to close on 23 February, so preparatory work could be undertaken ahead of the rail infrastructure on the bridge being replaced in April.
Instead, preparatory work, requiring the walkway to close, is now expected to begin a month or two before the Christmas network closure.
The Ava Bridge upgrade is funded from the Budget 2024 $52.9 million investment in the Wellington metro network. It is part of a more than $1 billion Government investment in the Wellington region’s rail network.
Ends
For more information, please contact:
KiwiRail
Mediaenquiries@kiwirail.co.nz
04 498 2038
Metlink
comms@gw.govt.nz
021 914 266
Hutt City Council
Kate Brooks
Senior Communication & Engagement Advisor, Mayor's Office, Hutt City Council
027 370 2523 kate.brooks@huttcity.govt.nz