Buses to replace Hutt off-peak trains for next four months
RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Trains will be replaced by buses during most weekday off peak services in the Hutt Valley for the next four months to do rail upgrades.
More than $143 million was allocated in Budget 2025 for rail renewals in Auckland and Wellington.
In the Hutt Valley that money was set to be put to work from 4 August to 27 November to replace tracks on the line that runs between Upper Hutt and Wellington.
Morning and evening peak service would not be affected, but off-peak trains between 9:30am and 2:30pm Hutt Valley and Melling lines were to be replaced by buses most days during the four month period.
It would also mean Wairarapa line services would be bus replaced between Upper Hutt and Wellington.
The work included replacing large sections of sleepers, rail line and repairing the Ava Bridge.
Greater Wellington Regional Council acting chair Adrienne Staples was pleased rail upgrades were being carried out before construction of the Melling interchange begins in December.
"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, said the timing of the upcoming works was designed to reduce disruption for most passengers.
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