Ava Rail Bridge Shared Path

The Ava Rail Bridge Shared Path is now closed.

Council has agreed to take no further action on a replacement shared path bridge and will consult with the community through the Long Term Plan 2027–2037 process.

Ava Rail Bridge August 2025

Update (July 2026)

At its Infrastructure & Regulatory Committee meeting on 2 July 2026, Hutt City Council considered options for a new shared walking and cycling bridge at Ava.
Following consideration of the technical advice, estimated costs and available options, Council agreed to take no further action on an Ava Shared Path Bridge.
Council also agreed to consult with the community about the future of an Ava crossing as part of the Long Term Plan 2027–2037 process. This will allow the proposal to be considered alongside other priorities and investment needs across the city.
The original proposal to attach a new walkway to the existing rail bridge could not proceed after detailed engineering assessments found it would require significant additional investment.

Timeline

Labour Weekend 2025KiwiRail begins essential renewal works. The existing pedestrian walkway closes.
January 2026KiwiRail completes bridge renewal works.
June 2026Alternative options for a replacement walkway are developed following updated engineering advice.
2 July 2026Infrastructure & Regulatory Committee considers options and decides next steps.

FAQs

During the detailed design phase of the original proposed clip-on option, testing of the rail bridge was undertaken, and it was confirmed that it did not meet the required structural performance criteria of the rail bridge to current standards and could not proceed.

Options for a replacement Ava Walkway will be presented to the Infrastructure & Regulatory Committee on 2 July 2026. A detailed timeline beyond this is dependent on the option chosen for further investigation.

Yes, an option being considered is not progressing with the Ava Shared Use Bridge and instead relying on the Cross Valley Link project to provide an alternative east–west connection between Ewen Bride and Waione Street Bridge.

The Technical Advisory Group is also considering a range of options, including:

  • Standalone bridge options.
  • Suspension bridge options.
  • Upgrades to other existing bridges to improve walking/cycling options.

No, the old walkway didn't meet current standards and also sat on top of the railway sleepers that were removed during KiwiRail's maintenance and upgrade work earlier in the year.

Got questions?

You can get in contact with us at TransportProjectDeliveryTeam@huttcity.govt.nz

If you have questions about KiwiRail’s renewal work, contact them at contactus@kiwirail.co.nz

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