Weekly update No. 7: Manawatū Gorge closure

This weekly update, 1 September 2017, is produced by the NZ Transport Agency to provide the latest information about the impact of the Manawatū Gorge closure since slips caused damage on 24 April 2017.

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We’re keen to hear your questions or any feedback about our work. Drop us a line at: manawatugorge@nzta.govt.nz and we will get back to you within 3 working days.

Announcement of consultancy firm

We are pleased to announce that GHD Consultants have been appointed to develop the business case for options for the Manawatu Gorge alternative route. In the coming weeks a long list of options will be developed and announced, along with details of public open days and other opportunities for people to provide feedback to help identify a preferred option for development.  We are committed to working quickly to develop recommendations, which means that there will be a relatively short timeframe for engagement. If you are receiving these updates you will also receive information about opportunities to engage in this process.

Saddle Road maintenance

The heavy maintenance on the Saddle Road has now finished and we would like to thank you for your patience while our contractors worked to repair this part of the detour . Daily monitoring and inspections will continue on the Saddle Road while the detour remains in place.
 

Resurfacing on Salisbury Street

In response to Salisbury Street residents’ concerns about noise and vibration, asphaltic concrete (Hotmix) surfacing will be commenced from next Monday 4th September. Today our contractors will be installing Variable Message signs (VMS) in Ashhurst advising motorists of work starting next week. This will include surface preparation work as they raise utility service  covers and mill the edges to tie into the surrounding road surfaces, with the laying of asphaltic concrete to commence immediately after. This should reduce the noise and vibrations being experienced by those living on Salisbury Street and other surrounding streets. As this work is the full length of Salisbury Street, the works will be undertaken in sections. This will result in some local short term detours during each day to allow the machines to operate.  Detour routes will be signposted accordingly as the works continue.

Signage in Ashhurst

A review of detour signage has been completed and new signs have been ordered to help ensure traffic is directed along the correct detour route through Ashhurst. This will encourage traffic to move along the detour route in a safe and efficient manner and complement the traffic calming mechanisms that have already been put in place. We are also looking to reduce the number of streets that will be impacted by the detour.

Update on temporary bypass of Ashhurst & Woodville Realignment

We are continuing to work with property owners to secure the alignments for the bypass of Ashhurst and the corner improvements near Woodville.

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