Manawatu Gorge fate: Ashhurst will be bypassed

Transport Minister Simon Bridges talks to media about the fate of the Manawatu Gorge.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges has announced the township of Ashhurst will miss out on any new route to replace the closed, slip-plagued Manawatu Gorge.

Speaking to media at the Te Apiti Wind Farm on Saddle Road this morning, Bridges said the Government was committed to finding a stable and alternative route, which will bypass Ashhurst.

However, that's seemingly where the certainty stops - he couldn't yet say where the road would go.

Bridges also refused to commit to whether the under-strain Manawatu Gorge would be closed permanently.

Bridges recently stated a new permanent road for Manawatu Gorge was the most likely scenario to resolving recurring slip issues on the existing SH3 road.

The gorge has been closed since April and suffered another major slip over the weekend.

Mr Bridges previously said the land was moving in some places as much as 60mm over 18 months in one spot, and movement was speeding up.

"My view, based on the advice I'm getting, is the more likely, possibly much more likely, scenario is an alternative, permanent, better and much more resilient route for the Manawatu," he said.

He was prepared to watch and wait until the end of the year, at which time tenders for an alternative route should be back. Now, work continues on the Saddle Rd.

Mr Bridges was expected to meet with business this week to discuss support packages, though he remained unlikely to offer anything.
Wairarapa MP Alastair Scott said he understood there would be a new roading corridor off Saddle Road along Woodland Road directing traffic back to Woodville was only a couple of months away.

"NZTA are talking today with landowners about leasing or buying land for that option,"he said.

Previously, packages have been used in a state of emergency, which was not the case here.

"We've had these gorge slips and closure in the past, we haven't on those occasions provided economic assistance. I'm certainly indicating it's more likely than not there won't be one," he said. - additional reporting NZN.