Pahiatua traffic increasing
The Manawatu Gorge’s indefinite closure has hit some small centres hard, but there is a silver lining for one town, set to benefit from increased traffic.
Pahiatua, on the eastern side of the Tararua Range in northern Wairarapa, has seen an extra 1500 motorists a day flow through its normally quiet streets as they head over the Pahiatua Track.
That and the Saddle Rd have become increasingly busy since the closure of State Highway 3 through the gorge due to slips in late April.
Tararua mayor Tracey Collis said an estimated 7500 vehicles used the gorge to travel from Manawatu to Hawke’s Bay each day.
Collis said Pahiatua businesses were doing well from the increased traffic through the town, but were conscious of the hardships Woodville was facing since the gorge closed, robbing the town of through traffic.
She knew of several businesses directing customers towards Woodville when they left town.
‘‘How wonderful... together we will find a way forward.’’
The Finest Batch Bakery, on south-bound side of the large grass-strip dividing Main St, hadn’t caught a noticeable influx of travellers.
Owner Craig Batchelor said the gains were balanced by the people put off travelling by the gorge closure.
‘‘The shop itself has been holding steady. I just feel for the businesses in Woodville.’’
He supplied baked goods to two Woodville cafes, but neither were ordering as much as usual.
‘‘I just feel for the businesses in Woodville.’’ Craig Batchelor