1931 Opening

A silk ribbon tied across the much-anticipated new Kelburn viaduct was cut by Mrs Annie Troup, the wife of Mayor George Troup, with a pair of golden scissors on 2nd May 1931. Thirty years of service by the old timber viaduct had come to an end. A modern, concrete, streamlined structure ushered the Mayoress in the inaugural car over the 65ft high span above Glenmore Street. On reaching the Northland side, Mrs Troup cut the second ribbon and the crowd of 2,000 then swarmed across from both sides.

‘The new bridge is a very handsome addition to Wellington’s utilitarian structures.’
(‘New Viaduct.’ Dominion, 2 May 1931, p6)

The original timber trestle structure had provided a vital transport connection. It was designed by engineer James Fulton in about 1900. Fulton also designed the Kelburn and Karori Tramway (Cable Car). By the 1920’s, the structure’s safety was being questioned and the width did not comfortably accommodate the new era of the motor car. Although regarded as obsolete, and uncomfortable with its sharp bend, it was an impressive structure for its era. It was demolished within about two weeks of the new viaduct opening.

The new Kelburn Viaduct was designed by the City Engineer, Mr George A. Hart. In December 1929, the tender of Walter Hodges was accepted for £21,439. This included demolition of the old viaduct.

Only a few modifications have been made to the viaduct since it was built. The classical balustrades were demolished and replaced in 1972 with solid, ribbed concrete panels. Later globe light fittings replaced the originals on their art deco inspired standards. These globes were replaced again in 2014 with the present Victorian style fittings which are not terribly sympathetic to the original Art Deco design. The southern pedestrian footpath was removed to increase the road width.

On 5th August 2026, the Minister for the Environment opened consultation to modify the heritage provisions in the Wellington District Plan at five locations, including the Kelburn Viaduct and the nearby Karori Tunnel. The change is being considered as the local plan provisions ‘are found to negatively affect economic growth, development capacity, or employment.’

The Economic Assessment of Heritage Regulation in Wellington appended to the supplied investigation report states that the current heritage listing creates additional costs to the ratepayer for consenting any routine maintenance work. The report adds that the listing also makes it more challenging to upgrade the infrastructure.

However, sympathetic alterations can be achieved through the Resource Management Act. This heritage structure should be looked after by the city, with well-considered modifications where they are thought necessary. The heritage listing provides this safeguard.

If you would like to read the report in full and provide your own feedback, the link is below. Submissions close 19th August 2026.

https://consult.environment.govt.nz/resource-management/wellington-district-plan-heritage-provisions/

References:

www.wellingtoncityheritage.org.nz

https://www.heritage.org.nz/list-details/3333/Listing

(1931, May 2). New Viaduct. Dominion. 6.

(1931, May 2). Official Opening. Evening Post. 10.