No way through: The slip which initially closed State Highway 3 through the Manawatu Gorge in April. PHOTO / Supplied
All routes lead to Woodville, with the release of the New Zealand Transport Agency's list of 13 options for a long term, resilient solution for the Manawatū Gorge route.
The NZTA is fast tracking a business case to look at options for a Manawatū Gorge alternative route after State Highway 3 was closed by slips on April 24.
Continued instability at the initial slip and other sites hampered efforts to make the road safe and the decision was made to look at alternate routes.
Read more: NZTA unveils 13 options for Manawatu Gorge
Meeting underway to discuss Manawatu Gorge
Tararua District mayor Tracey Collis is a member of the governance group considering the options, while deputy mayor Allan Benbow is on the group analysing the business case studies for the options.
"It's fantastic to see all routes lead to Woodville," Mrs Collis said. "This will provide real assurances for businesses."
However, Mrs Collis said she'll be looking closely at construction times.
"We're hurting throughout the region, but I realise we have to get this right," she said.
"There is going to be a lot of discussion at tonight's public meeting in Woodville."
NZTA regional transport systems manager Ross I'Anson said the 13 options cover potential alignments currently being considered and their release is an important step towards finding the best performing option for an alternative route from the Manawatu to Hawke's Bay, with the gorge route out of action because of slips and ongoing movement.
"We know how keen people have been to see these options and we've worked hard with our local partners to get to this point as quickly as possible," he said.
"We're now keen to hear from people about the options. What they like about particular alignments, what their concerns might be and any other feedback or suggestions they can provide. Receiving feedback from local people and from stakeholders is a vital part of the ongoing process to find a solution for this route."
Mr I'Anson said the NZTA is urging people to go to the project web page to get on to the Social Pinpoint link, where all of the alternative options can be seen on a map, and digital pins can be placed to make comments on different parts of the potential routes. Feedback can also be provided by email, in writing or by phone.
"Once people have made their views known on the long list and further analysis has been completed on any constraints such as topography, cultural aspects and existing infrastructure, a short list of options will be made that will include cost estimates," Mr I'Anson said.
"The short list will be presented to the public in October, when there will be open days with NZTA staff in Woodville and Palmerston North. That will give people another chance to have their say."
Mrs Collis said she was surprised to see 13 routes.
"Obviously NZTA have listened to the community and it'll only be when we go to the meeting tonight in Woodville that we will understand the travel times associated with each option," she said.
"Some of these routes allow us to get good tourist opportunities from the Manawatu Gorge."
The public engagement process will help to identify the best option by December.
Manawatu Gorge long list options key:
* Manawatu Gorge - Viaduct (orange): A viaduct through the Manawatu Gorge, along a similar alignment.
* Box Cut Route (Red), A new 6.5km route south of the existing alignment, earth-worked to create a straight alignment from Napier Rd (SH3) to SH2/SH3.
* Manawatu Gorge - Southern Bank (Yellow): The opening and upgrading of the existing south bank of the Manawatu Gorge state highway.
* Northern Route 1 (lightest purple): A new 15.5km route north of the existing alignment, from Napier Rd (SH3) to SH2/SH3.
* Northern Route 2 (middle purple): A new 14km route north of the existing alignment, from Napier Rd (SH3) to SH2/SH3.
* Northern Route 3 (dark purple): A new 16.5km route north of the existing alignment, from Napier Rd (SH3) south of Ashhurst to SH2/SH3.
* Saddle Rd (pink): Upgrade of Saddle Rd to improve safety and efficiency.
* Southern Route 1 (lightest blue): A new 14km route south of the existing alignment, from Napier Rd (SH3) near Fitzherbert E Rd (SH57) to SH2/SH3.
* Southern Route 2 (mid blue): A new 14.6km route south of the existing alignment, from Napier Rd (SH3) to SH2/SH3.
* Southern Route 3 (dark blue): A new 17km route south of the existing alignment, from Napier Rd (SH3) south of Ashhurst to SH2/SH3.
* Southern Route 4 (navy): A new 19km route south of the existing alignment, from Napier Rd (SH3) south of Te Mata Road to SH2/SH3.
* Long Tunnel (light green): A new 12.7km route, incorporating a 10.5km tunnel from Napier Rd (SH3) to SH2/SH3.
* Short Tunnel (lime green): A new 14km route from Napier Rd (SH3) to SH2/SH3, incorporating a 6km tunnel and re-use of the eastern end of the gorge.