NZTA says slips still on the move as it looks at future of Manawatū Gorge route

Ross I'Anson, NZTA's regional transport system manager, with the moving cliff face in the Manawatu Gorge behind him.

The New Zealand Transport Agency is considering the future for the old State Highway 3 through the Manawatū Gorge which has been closed since April 2017.

Although cyclists are frequently seen making their way through the gorge, there are signs slips are still on the move.

The NZTA has always maintained that if the land movement at Kerry's Wall stops and demonstrates over a period of time that it has stopped moving, then a re-evaluation of the site would be undertaken, to see if State Highway 3 through the Manawatu Gorge can be reopened, NZTA regional systems manager Ross I'Anson said.

"We are currently undertaking a review of the movement and risk rating at the Kerry's Wall site," he said.

"However, currently there are multiple small to medium sized slips through the gorge, plus the large slip at the Ashhurst end of the gorge, which has damaged a bridge.

"The mass land movement at Kerry's Wall is still active with various signs that the extent of the slip is extending wider than the original slip site, with the movement evident through the road across the front of the wall being effected."

I'Anson said he is unable to put a time on when the review will be concluded.

Meanwhile, the NZTA is considering a range of options to allow for suitable walking and cycling facilities around the Manawatū Gorge.

"Walking and cycling facilities are key considerations for the Transport Agency as we continue to work through the best possible options for the new Manawatū Gorge route," portfolio manager Sarah Downs said.

Hundreds of submissions have been received as part of the Notice of Requirement process for Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway project, with many from supporters of Build the Path, a community-led campaign calling for walking and cycling facilities to be included in the design.

Downs said the NZTA will request a meeting with the Build the Path group, as well as officers from the relevant councils, including the Tararua District Council, to better understand their concerns and to discuss the overall walking and cycling network in the region.

"Separate to the Te Ahu a Turanga project, the Transport Agency will also consider the future of the Saddle Rd, the Pahīatua Track and the old state highway through the gorge," she said.

"These discussions will consider pedestrian and walking facilities, including how they might be improved once traffic diverts back from Saddle Rd and the Pahīatua Track onto the new State Highway 3 across the Ruahine Ranges.

"Any investment decisions will need to be made in the context of the consideration of the overall walking and cycling network in the region, which may identify alternative priorities."

Downs also confirms the Transport Agency is looking to fast-track the addition of walking and cycling facilities on the narrow bridge across the Manawatū River at Ashhurst, to ensure walkers and cyclists have a new, safe way to access the existing facilities at the Manawatū Gorge once the new road is open.