Photo: RNZ / Nick James
The government has agreed to co-fund the replacement of a popular Lower Hutt footbridge across the Hutt River, after it faced closure.
KiwiRail had planned to permanently remove the walkway across the Ava Rail Bridge, which crosses Te Awa Kairangi Hutt River between the Ava railway station and Richmond Grove, as part of work to replace ageing railway sleepers.
KiwiRail owns the bridge and said it could not replace the sleepers without permanently removing the council-owned walkway.
In February Hutt City Council announced that the closure of the walkway was being delayed to give them more time to come up with plans for an alternative walkway.
Now the council has announced the government has agreed to $2.4 million of Crown funding to replace the footbridge, covering half of the total cost.
The existing pedestrian walkway has to be removed as part of work KiwiRail is doing to replace ageing infrastructure on the rail bridge its attached to.
It will remain open until just before the major rail shutdown scheduled for December 2025.
Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry said if the project was approved by councillors, the council would manage the delivery of the replacement bridge and KiwiRail will remain involved in an advisory capacity.
"This project is now in our hands, and we're committed to ensuring that a modern, safe and accessible bridge is delivered for our community."
Barry said it was a fantastic result for the community.
"We made it clear that this bridge is an essential connection for people on both sides of the Hutt River, whether they're heading to school, work, or simply getting from A to B.
"Thanks to the strong voices of our community, we've secured a commitment that ensures this vital link will not be lost."
