The long-awaited confirmation of the Manawatū Gorge replacement motorway has business and civic leaders nearby rejoicing at the economic potential of the build and its benefits.
Transport minister Phil Twyford has confirmed work on Te Ahu a Turanga, the planned replacement highway for State Highway 3 through the gorge, is expected to start early next year and be completed by 2024, at a cost of $620 million.
The New Zealand Transport Agency has taken $100m from the Auckland light rail budget to the highway.
The gorge road closed in April 2017 because of landslips and fears the hillside could come down on the road. Since then, businesses in Woodville, in particular, have struggled with a downturn in customers.
The preliminary concept design has been completed and the transport agency is working through the consent process.
Full construction should start next year.
Twyford said the road would restore a crucial transport link that supported the needs of locals and travellers and boosted the economy.
The rest of the funding will be spread out in the next three-year National Land Transport Programme for 2021-24.
Who gives out all these Maori names!
Te Ahu a Turanga, FFS
I hope the local people come up with a decent professional name like State Highway 3a
Te hemonga-o-rori or the road of death
Yer it will be when them eggbeaters fall apart.
Suppose it lets the fireman easy access to put out the fire!
Funny D as we observe a pattern forming with so many COL initiated activities labeled with a native name tag become problematic and often morphing into a shambles. Chances are that ” Full construction should start next year.” could become another Tui moment.
I think Genter should have made it a cycleway and get all of her green friends to shuttle the freight along it on their bikes!
Just imagine a greenie on a bike at each corner of a 20ft container going up the hill then speeding down the other side!
Which businesses in Woodville are missing out on passing traffic? Access to Saddle Rd still goes through town.
Wasn’t all of the planning done by the previous government? This is just everything falling in to place.
Nasska bought this to attention a few days or so ago.
The most modern progressive 4 lane road, when you cater for cycle lanes, bus lanes, trams & trolleys etc.???
Will wind shelters be provided to enhance the experience of “safe cycling”?
“Green appeasement” and to “maintain rural road heritage status”.
Probably have cheese cutters down the middle white line, so no overtaking.
https://i.stuff.co.nz/motoring/115559582/concerns-raised-over-reduction-in-lanes-for-manawat-gorge-replacement-highway#comments
How much extra would it cost to do the job properly and future proof it?
Next thing a few snarl ups and squeezes will bring this to a much slower speed limit, in the name of safety & health.