Last week Ngati Maru blessed the Manawawiri Stream site ahead of construction and Ngāti Maru general manager Anaru Marshall says Ngāti Maru is pleased with the increased development being carried out by Waka Kotahi on state Highway 43 between Stratford and Taumarunui.
"It's an important, but often overlooked, thoroughfare into Taranaki and more and more people are using it and enjoying its uniqueness. Ensuring that those people are safe and secure as they travel through our rohe is paramount to us as mana whenua."
Stratford District Council mayor Neil Volzke is also happy to see work on the highway progressing.
"This project is part of a larger package that will significantly improve the safety and driver experience along the SH43 route. We're excited to see this work begin."
Towards the end of June a temporary one-lane Bailey bridge will be installed alongside the existing bridge for traffic to use while the new bridge is built. The Bailey bridge will be suitable for all vehicles.
Traffic management, including a 30km/h speed limit and traffic lights, will be in place.
Other improvements planned for the Forgotten World Highway include sealing the 12km of unsealed road through Tangarakau Gorge, safety improvements, a new bridge at the Kahouri Stream and passing and wayfinding opportunities.