Wellington central trolleybus wires coming down

Wellington’s downtown trolleybus wires start coming down on January 3.

Their removal along the “Golden Mile” in the central city begins that evening, the Wellington City Council says.

Some disruption for motorists and pedestrians can be expected.

Two crews are doing the work– one starting from the Railway Station terminal at the northern end of Lambton Quay, and the other at the Elizabeth Street intersection with Kent Terrace and Cambridge Terrace.

Removal work is Sunday to Thursday, 7pm-5am. No work is on Friday and Saturday evenings to allow for busy times – particularly in Courtenay Place.

The work should be completed by January 25.

Temporary traffic disruptions or diversions at major intersections that serve as trolleybus route junctions can be expected in Courtenay Place and Kent/Cambridge terraces, Courtenay Place and Taranaki Street, Manners Street and Willis Street, Lambton Quay/Whitmore Street/Bowen Street.

Battery operated machinery is being used to reduce noise levels, and crews will finish each section in one evening to minimise disturbance.

A total 82km of overhead wires are being removed, many trolleybuses expected to be refitted with hybrid Wrightspeed motors, using rechargeable electric batteries topped up by a small, conventionally-powered motor.

About 60 years of trolleybus service ended late this year, the closure bringing protest about dismantling a zero-emissions public transport system.