Public Information Sessions

13 July 2018

The NZ Transport Agency will be undertaking a series of information sessions for the public, for both the Manawatū Gorge Replacement Route and the Ashhurst Traffic Mitigation Project.  These will be drop-in sessions, running for four hours each.
 
We have three sessions in Ashhurst – we will be discussing our proposed package of measures to mitigate Ashhurst traffic noise and safety issues, as well as providing an update on Manawatū Gorge Replacement Route.

• Thursday July 19, 4-8pm, Ashhurst Village Valley Hall
• Friday July 20, 4-8pm Ashhurst Village Valley Hall
• Saturday, July 21, 10am-2pm, Ashhurst School

We then have four sessions to provide an update on the Manawatū Gorge Replacement Route only.

• Wednesday, July 25, 4-8pm, Woodville Supper Room
• Thursday, July 26, 4-8pm, Palmerston North Convention Centre
• Tuesday, July 31, 4-8pm, Dannevirke Sports Centre (Supper Room)
• Wednesday, August 1, 4-8pm, Pahīatua Town Hall (Supper Room)

The Manawatū Gorge Replacement Route update will include information on the current preliminary design, what to expect during construction, a preliminary flyover animation, the project renaming and an opportunity for the community to provide feedback.  We encourage anyone to attend and interact with the project team members.

You will also be able to have your say about proposed permanent changes to the speed limit on the Saddle Road. The proposal is a permanent change to 80km/h to ensure an on-going safe roading environment – if you would like to have your say but can’t attend any of the sessions, please email manawatugorge@nzta.govt.nz for more information.

School visit

Around 40 geography students from Palmerston North Boys High came on a site visit to have a look at the proposed SH3 replacement route.

The weather on the hill was cold and wet, but the year 11 students took it all in their stride and enjoyed an excellent and informative visit.

Roadworks and mitigation measures

Wet weather is making maintenance of the Saddle Road difficult, with only minor pothole patching possible at present.  The Transport Agency is planning more extensive maintenance once the weather improves and will operate west bound closures while this work is underway. 

We do apologise for any inconvenience – we appreciate that the commute is already difficult, however we must ensure we are maintaining the road.  The good news is the need for one lane closures will reduce as the maintenance work improves the standard of the road over time.

The Saddle Road upgrade project will continue this year with the road works at the summit. We will also be completing various overlays to improve the strength of the road, which should reduce the need for maintenance works. Work will also continue on the extensive maintenance programme on the Pahīatua Track.   

We are close to starting the realignment works near Woodville, which will improve the safety and efficiency of the intersections and rural roads around Woodville.  There will be some delays as we progress the two corner realignments at Woodlands Road, but we will endeavour to keep any disruptions to a minimum.

We will continue to provide information on roadworks on the alternative routes, the Saddle Road and the Pahīatua Track, on our regional Facebook page.

Manawatū Gorge update

The indefinite closure of the SH3 through the gorge remains in place.  The area around Kerry’s Wall is experiencing continual movement, with the risk too high to allow the public past the site.  This movement is expected to increase with the onset of wet weather. 

The Transport Agency will be clearing the drainage channels and culverts in the gorge, so vehicles will be visible entering and leaving the gorge at Ballance.

More information

For more information on the SH3 Manawatū Gorge replacement route, contact us at manawatugorge@nzta.govt.nz. Or you can ring us on 0800 740 560.

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