Wellington Electricity are continuing to relocate underground electricity cables through the city as part of the prep work for Te Wai Takamori O Te Awa Kairangi programme. They are experiencing delays due to challenging ground conditions, which continue to impact progress.

If you’re travelling by car please follow all directional signage and allow extra time for your journey. Remember, navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps can also help you plan the best route on the day.

Public transport is also an option: Metlink encourages commuters to catch a bus or take the train. It reduces pressure on the road network, lowers emissions, and can be a quicker journey. Use the journey planner on the Metlink app, and find your fare at metlink.org.nz

We know these changes can be frustrating, and we truly appreciate everyone adjusting their routines while this important work continues.

Please note some nightwork operations will be in place on Rutherford Street and the Melling Road roundabout. More details below.

Unless stated otherwise, footpaths remain open so you can continue to move through the area and support your favourite local businesses.

Here’s where they’ll be working from March 13 to 22:

• Underside of Ewen Bridge: Site workers will be present to guide cyclists and pedestrians through the area
• Queens Drive: Northbound lanes are scheduled to open this week. However, the slip lane to Laings Road will be closed
• Laings Road: Scheduled to close from Monday 16th between Queens Drive and High Street (southern end of the city)
• High Street: Scheduled to close this week south of its junction with Andrews Avenue
• Andrews Avenue: Remains closed. Business and residential parking on Andrews Avenue remains available
• Dudley Street: Gradually reopening from today
• Melling Link Bridge: The footpath heading towards the Western Hills is closed (from Rutherford Street to the Repco building)
• Melling Link Bridge underpass: Site workers will be present to guide cyclists and pedestrians through the area
• Rutherford Street: Day works continuing from Melling Link Bridge to Connolly St roundabout. Night works from Sunday March 15, 7pm to 5am. No access to through traffic north of Melling Link Bridge during this time. Please follow detours
• Connolly Street/Melling Road roundabout (pictured): Night works from Sunday March 15, 7pm to 5am. No access to through traffic during this time. Please follow detours
• Connolly Street: Southbound lane closed from Mills Street to Melling Road roundabout. Single lane traffic management in place at the north end by the power station. Site workers will be present to guide cyclists and pedestrians through the area

And don’t forget!

Queens Drive / High Street roundabout (near McDonald’s) remains closed until December 2026 as part of the SH2 Melling Transport Improvements project

You can find further information on this project and wider, regional disruption on the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi – Wellington Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DDBDuDQxU/)

Source: Te Awa Kairangi – Delivering RiverLink

13/03/26