New Manawatu Tararua Highway to get four lanes
The new Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatu Tararua Highway will be two lanes each way for the majority of the new road, including the plateau across the Ruahine Ranges.
NZ Transport Agency owner interface manager Lonnie Dalzell says the decision to have slow vehicle lanes running continuously along the majority of the route was reached after further design work that included input from road user groups.
“We are delighted that our work with key stakeholders such as the Automobile Association, Heavy Haulage and the Road Transport Association has achieved this positive outcome.”
The updated concept design for the new road replaces the preliminary concept design, which would have seen one lane each way with wider shoulders for about three kilometres on top of the Ruahine Ranges.
This means there will effectively be four main traffic lanes for the majority of the new road, providing cars a safe and reliable journey between Ashhurst and Woodville.
The updated concept design, together with other project updates and the latest information, will be presented to the public at a round of open days in the region in early December 2019.
Enabling works for the new project are expected to get under way this summer construction season, with project completion scheduled for 2024.
Debris from slip that occurred in the Manawatu Gorge on 23 July 2017.
This animated video shows the indicative route of the Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatu Tararua Highway. The preliminary concept design is subject to further design development and Resource Management Act planning processes.
