What will happen to the existing routes when the untolled $820m Manawatū-Tararua Highway opens?

Thousands fewer motorists will use Saddle Rd each day when the new highway opens.

Many motorists will be happy to never again travel Saddle Rd or Pahīatua Track over the Ruahine mountain range, when a new $820 million highway opens later this year.

The 11.5km Te Ahu a Turanga Manawatū-Tararua Highway is on track to open in the middle of 2025, joining Woodville and Ashhurst near Palmerston North, and thanks to a decision by the Government at the end of 2024 it won’t be tolled.

It will make the trip over the mountain range faster and smoother for thousands of motorists each day, including those travelling from Hawke’s Bay to Palmerston North or Wellington.

The impending highway opening has raised questions about the future of the two alternate routes currently in use.

“People are getting really excited, it is the big event of 2025 for us,” Tararua Mayor Tracey Collis said.

Collis confirmed there was “no chance” either would close.

Both roads are currently maintained by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) but will be handed back to their respective councils following the opening, who will be in charge of their upkeep once again.

Saddle Rd is 80% owned by Tararua District Council and 20% owned by Manawatū District Council and Palmerston North City Council.

It has traffic of around 6400 vehicles per day, but will drop back to an estimated 150 vehicles per day when the highway opens.

Despite that low number, Collis said it was still an important route.

“It has access through to farms and the wind farm and there are those that will always need to use that road.”

Structural asphalt is almost completely laid across the brand new highway. Photo / NZTA

Meanwhile, Pahīatua Track is about 70% owned by Tararua District Council and 30% owned by Palmerston North City Council.

It has traffic of around 3000 vehicles per day which is estimated to remain unchanged when the highway opens.

That is because it will still be the quickest route for people travelling from the south (such as Masterton or Pahīatua) to the likes of Palmerston North.

However, some motorists may decide to take the longer route, via the new highway, to reduce wear and tear on their vehicles or for the smoother trip.

Collis said the two alternate roads first need to be brought up to a “standard that is acceptable” before being handed back to the council, which may not happen until next year.

Collis said NZTA had been good to work alongside, and negotiations were ongoing in that regard, including addressing slumping on parts of Saddle Rd.

The new highway will be 11.5km and include two lanes each way when it opens. Photo / NZTA

At this stage, she said there was no budget figure for how much it would cost the council each year to maintain the lion’s share of the two roads.

A firm date has yet to be set for the opening of the new highway but it is understood to be in June or July.

The initial estimate for the new highway was $620m which is now expected to cost around $824m when completed.

NZTA Waka Kotahi regional manager Rua Pani said NZTA was working with the three councils about “next steps” to ensure the two alternate roads were handed back in the best possible condition.

“Both roads have been used as alternative state highways since the closure of the SH3 Manawatū Gorge [in 2017].

Progress on the new highway looking from Woodville. Photo / Doug Laing

“Since the closure, NZTA has been responsible for the maintenance and operations of the alternate routes.”

Structural asphalt work has almost been completed across the entire new highway.

Stone mastic asphalt work is also well under way, which is the final pavement layer which sits on top of the structural asphalt.

It was announced in December that the Manawatū-Tararua Highway would not be tolled. That decision was cause for celebration for the nearby communities who protested against the potential toll.

Woodville road closure

Meanwhile, as the new highway project nears completion, sections of State Highway 3 through Woodville will be closed for up to five weeks to allow for the completion of the new roundabout.

SH3 at the Vogel St and Woodlands Rd bend will be closed 24/7 for five weeks from Monday, February 24, with detours put in place.

The work is expected to be completed by Sunday, March 30, and the road reopened.

Access to Woodville township and its businesses will remain open during the closure period. Residents in the construction area will continue to have access to and from their properties.

Gary Hamilton-Irvine is a Hawke’s Bay-based reporter who covers a range of news topics including business, councils, breaking news and cyclone recovery. He formerly worked at News Corp Australia.