Weekly update No. 15 Manawatū Gorge closure

This weekly update, 27 October 2017, is produced by the NZ Transport Agency to provide the latest information about the impact of the Manawatū Gorge closure and the development of an alternative transport corridor linking Manawatū, Tararua District, Hawke’s Bay and northern Wairarapa.

You are receiving this update because you either registered or you are on our stakeholder list. If you no longer wish to receive these updates, please unsubscribe.

We’re keen to hear your feedback and answer any questions you may have.  Drop us a line at manawatugorge@nzta.govt.nz and we will get back to you within 3 working days.

Community has its say on short list options

The submission period for the Manawatū Gorge alternative short listed options is now closed, and we thank the community for the large volume of feedback received. We’ve received more than 200 submissions from individuals and organisations, representing a range of views from across the region.  We’re pleased with the strong response and the depth of feedback which has been provided.

The project team will now start the process of analysing the submissions for key themes. Your feedback will be carefully considered as we continue our assessment of the short listed options.  We are on track to decide on a preferred approach for the Manawatū Gorge alternative route by mid-December.

Just a reminder that you can find more information about our project on our website at www.nzta.govt.nz/manawatu-gorge.

Management of alternative routes

The extensive maintenance on Saddle Road to repair and improve the road surface began earlier this week with works taking place at night under lane closures between 6pm and 6am. These works will continue over the coming weeks into the summer season to ensure the completion of the Saddle Road upgrade. Work sites will be under stop/go traffic management and we will provide daily updates on the electronic message boards. Please check out our Facebook page www.facebook.com/nztacni for the latest news and updates on the works.

Maintenance work on the Pahīatua Track continues with work sites under stop/go traffic management.  We will provide daily updates on the electronic message boards. Renewal resurfacing is also planned to take place in the upcoming summer construction season. Over the next few weeks we will provide more information about the type of work and how it may impact your travel across the Pahīatua Track.

We continue to frequently inspect both the Saddle Road and Pahīatua Track and quickly respond to issues. We apologise for any delays you may experience on our alternative routes.  Unfortunately traffic management is necessary to get this work done safely in the shortest time.

Work in Ashhurst

Minor surface levelling has been completed on Mulgrave Street. Adjustment to service covers will take place early next week followed by the laying of a new asphalt surface. We are in discussions with Palmerston North City Council for the maintenance work along Wyndham Street and this work will be carried out once we have completed the work in Mulgrave Street.

We are still keen to hear from you about the new speed cushions installed on Worcester Street.  Your feedback on the effectiveness of the cushions will help us determine their suitability for use in other Ashhurst streets.  Please let us know via email manawatugorge@nzta.govt.nz what your experience has been and if you feel these speed cushions are successful in reducing vehicle speed and vibrations.

Update on temporary bypass of Ashhurst & Woodville realignment

We continue to work as quickly as we can towards the development of the Ashhurst bypass and Woodville realignments.  We appreciate this is a pressing concern for many of you and we will provide you with information as soon as there are new developments.

More information

For more information on the SH3 Manawatū Gorge 2017 closure, contact us at manawatugorge@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/manawatu-gorge