Contractors assess the concrete retaining wall on State Highway 3 through the Manawatu Gorge which will keep the road closed at least until the end of this coming week. Photo / Supplied
Contractors assess the concrete retaining wall on State Highway 3 through the Manawatu Gorge which will keep the road closed at least until the end of this coming week. Photo / Supplied
The Manawatu Gorge remained closed last week as work continues to repair a damaged retaining wall, and another small slip was cleared.
Transport Agency Highway Manager Ross I'Anson says a new small slip has left about 60m3 of material on the road, which was cleared last Friday. The slip isabout 6.4km from the Woodville end of the Gorge and approximately 60m from the large slip that closed the Gorge Road on April 24.
Progress is being made on repairs to a damaged retaining wall on the river side of the road near Kerry's Wall, 4.5km from the Ashhurst turn-off, the site of several slips since the closure of the road.
"We understand how frustrating this closure is for everyone affected by it. Our crews are working hard to get the job done, and we'll re-open the road as soon as we are confident that it is safe to do so. When we re-open the gorge we will be implementing a regular monitoring programme to observe any changes to the rock slopes and surfaces to ensure the route remains safe for everyone using the road," Mr I'Anson says.
"The priority is safely opening the gorge," Tararua District council mayor Tracey Collis says. "Concern was raised about future safety at a recent meeting with myself and other mayors Smith, Worboys and NZTA. NZTA planned to share their daily monitoring and observation regime with the public, which will assist with public confidence.
"The MetService forecast of a drier winter was welcome news and would enable repairs to be carried out on the Saddle Road. The focus would then be continuing the remaining two stages on the Saddle.
"NZTA will be asked to consider funding to a business case for bringing the Saddle up to State Highway standard as another option. We need to start having these conversations about a long-term solution for the region."
With the Pahiatua Track and the Saddle Road continuing as the alternative routes while repairs to the gorge road are carried out, motorists are also reminded to be patient, drive to the conditions and watch speeds when driving through the communities along the alternate route.
