Railway Crossing Creating Multiple Pile-ups
The railway crossing just south of the Upper Hutt Railway Station is creating long queues of cars more often through the day than ever previously - and it is just going to get worse and worse. It is the biggest traffic snarl in Upper Hutt.
To compound the problem it is preceded closely by a roundabout on its eastern side and this is also increasing in traffic from all sides so that vehicles are piling up on all four sides when traffic is halted because of trains which maybe minutes from actually passing through the crossing. Vehicles going through the motions of travelling around the roundabout simply prevent other traffic from moving on even if they are not heading to the railway crossing.
Trains have become more frequent and the promise is that frequency will increase too through the double tracks so very soon to be operational and the increase usage of public transport.
This railway crossing needs to be replaced by either an overhead traffic bridge or an underpass. Let's make it urgent so that it actually starts to happen within the next 5 years.
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
-
39.7% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
-
58.5% No, I enjoy it
-
1.8% Other - I'll share below
Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026
Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.
Click read more to find out more.
We're taking the bus!
The number of Wellingtonians taking the bus and train rose by 3% last week compared to the same time last year, according to Metlink.
Not surprising given petrol prices at the moment. But if you're considering giving up your car commute for a leisurely bus ride in the mornings, it would be worth it.
It's about to get even easier: In April, e-pay will be launched, meaning you can tap on with your credit cards as well as smart devices.
It's better on the environment too: With most Metlink trains running on electricity, 25% of the bus fleet being EV’s and the Ika Rere electric ferry, Metlink is able to move more people using less fuel than any other transport option.
With fuel costs so high, it's a good idea to jump on board if you can. If you've become a public transport convert recently, how have you found it?
Loading…