A drill rig taking core samples

Geotech investigations begin

18 May 2018

The project team has begun geotechnical investigations along the proposed corridor of the replacement route.  Project manager Lonnie Dalzell says drill rigs are used to take ground core samples that provide key information, including confirmation of assumptions made during early assessments or the type of materials below the surface in key design areas such cut areas or structure locations.

Helicopters are used to transport drill rigs to areas not accessible by vehicle. We would like to thank property owners for giving us access to their land to enable these investigations to happen. The investigations are a vital part in determining the exact designation for the new road and support the development of an application for the relevant approvals under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).

We will be seeking feedback from stakeholders and the general public on the preferred option and design refinements prior to lodging any applications for RMA approvals. At this stage, it is envisaged that the Transport Agency would be prepared to lodge the relevant applications before the end of 2018.

Ashhurst Community Meeting

The NZ Transport Agency invites Ashhurst residents to a public meeting to discuss additional measures to mitigate traffic issues in the town.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, 22 May 2018, at 7.30pm at the Village Valley Centre in Ashhurst.

Roadworks and mitigation measures

The Saddle Road upgrade project is continuing this year as we complete the road works at the summit and various major repairs along the road. Work will also continue on the extensive maintenance programme on both the Saddle Road and Pahīatua Track.   

We are close to starting the realignments 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, but we will endeavour to keep any disruptions to a minimum.

We are looking to make improvements to the traffic calming measures on the streets that run between Cambridge and Salisbury Streets.  The speed cushions are not working as effectively as we had hoped, so we are looking to make more substantial improvements.  We will be talking to adjacent residents when planning this work.

We will be providing an update on the proposed temporary bypass of Ashhurst at the public meeting next Tuesday.

Manawatū Gorge update

The indefinite closure of the old SH3 through the gorge remains in place.  The area around Kerry’s Wall is experiencing continual minor slips, with small rocks scattered over the majority of the length of the road through the gorge. 

There is a minor slip at the ANZAC slip site, with more loose material sitting at the top of the slope.  Kerry’s Wall and the rock face above the wall are still moving, with the movement 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.

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

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