Transport Minister Phil Twyford, centre, gets some advice from Hutt-based MP Ginny Andersen Lower Hutt's Acting Mayor David Bassett, right, on the need for a new Melling Bridge.

A new bridge and interchange on State Highway 2 in Lower Hutt are both a step closer after getting a big tick from Transport Minister Phil Twyford.

Twyford received an on-site briefing on Monday on Lower Hutt's RiverLink project, which includes upgraded flood protection, a new Melling bridge, a river promenade and a foot bridge linking a new Melling Station with the central city.

The project's budget is approximately $225 million, but a large part – the possible new Melling interchange – has not yet been costed.

ROBERT KITCHIN/STUFF Melling Bridge in Lower Hutt is in line for an upgrade as part of the Riverlink project.

Hutt City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council are working with the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) on a plans for an interchange to ease congestion on SH2 and create a new entrance into Lower Hutt.

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Twyford said the project was complex but the briefing gave him a better understanding of what was involved.

SUPPLIED An artist's impression of the Hutt River promenade, which could be linked to a relocated Melling Station by a new bridge for walkers and cyclists.

The Government favoured projects that integrated a range of objectives, he said. That included resilience, encouraging cycling and public transport, and local economic development.

The final decision on whether the interchange will go ahead will be made by the Transport Agency's board later this year, but Twyford said the project met the policy criteria set by the Government.

"It certainly ticks all the boxes."

He was impressed by the way the two councils and NZTA were working together on a project that had a wide range of objectives.

Hutt City Council transformation manager Kim Kelly emphasised the importance of NZTA making a prompt decision on the interchange and new Melling Bridge.

It would be much easier to advance the whole project if only one consent was needed, she said.

During the election campaign in 2017, National promised to "fast-track" $72 million for the new interchange if elected. Hutt South MP Chris Bishop has previously suggested the Labour-led Government's decision to focus more on rail rather than new large-scale roading infrastructure significantly reduced the prospect of the interchange getting the green light.

But Twyford said he had no idea what Chris Bishop was talking about.

"I am bemused that after nine years of no progress on this project, he thinks it's appropriate to be sniping about a new Government that has been in [power for] nine months."

Bishop said Twyford's criticism was unfair given RiverLink did not exist nine years ago.

The interchange was the number one transport priority for the city, and with the Government spending less on major roads, its future was in doubt, he said.

RIVERLINK BY THE NUMBERS

* $82m to acquire property for new stopbanks

* $43m to widen the Hutt River and build new stopbanks

* $34m for a new Melling Bridge

* $25m for a river promenade

* $23m to relocate Melling Station

* $7m for Hutt City Council to buy strategic properties to boost development in the inner city

* $7m for a pedestrian bridge from the new Melling Station, crossing the Hutt River

* $6.5m for a pedestrian/cycle bridge over the Hutt River