Manawatu Gorge remains closed

Net on a Manawatu Gorge road rock face. More netting is being installed during the current closure. PHOTO/FILE

The Manawatu Gorge road will remain closed through the weekend with no predictions as to when it will reopen.

The State Highway 3 link from Hawke's Bay-Wairarapa to Manawatu and State Highway 1 on the southern side of the gorge, which separates the Tararua and Ruahine ranges, closed on April 24 because of a slip. On Monday the closure will extend into its eighth week.

Reopening has been delayed by further slips and instability of one of the 74 bridging structures supporting the highway, with traffic using the alternatives of Saddle Rd to the north and the Pahiatua Track to the south.

The preferred Saddle Rd route from Woodville to Ashhurst, which has been undergoing upgrading costing more than $8 million, was itself impassable for four hours late on Tuesday morning after a crash brought down power lines.

New Zealand Transport Agency highway manager Ross l'Anson said yesterday the gorge will remain closed as work continues to ensure the safety of the route, which includes installing rock-fall netting at two slip sites.

He said the NZTA will assess when the gorge can be opened after the work is complete, and will provide an update next week.

"We understand that this lengthy closure and the uncertainty around reopening is frustrating to everyone, especially the businesses in Woodville, the Bridge Cafe and the Bridge Store and others that remain open and feel the effects of gorge closure."

"We're also very aware that local residents continue to be affected by the additional traffic using alternate routes."