Gorge opening looms

The Manawatu Gorge road has another new reopening date, as the latest closure looks set to stretch past the two-month mark.

The New Zealand Transport Agency released a statement on Wednesday saying the gorge would remain closed for at least another three weeks while assessments take place, but it was looking at an early-july reopening date.

Highway manager Ross I’anson said the agency was completing geological assessments of the slip sites to determine the risk of further slips or rock falls – a process that could take up to three weeks.

It’s possible more work could be required after that.

I’anson said the physical repair work, which includes installing new rock-fall netting and reinstating a retaining wall, were on track to be finished by the end of this week.

However, the further geological assessments were needed before the road could be safely opened, he said.

‘‘We’re working with our contractors and independent geotechnical engineers to complete these assessments as soon as possible, but these evaluations must be thorough to ensure that the road is safe when it is reopened.

‘‘While the slips have been cleared and the road has been repaired at both sites, the slips have altered the rock faces above the road and we need to thoroughly assess any additional risks that the newly exposed rock might pose for road users.’’

The major route between Manawatu and Hawke’s Bay closed after after two slips caused damage in April, following severe weather. The road was also closed for more than a year following slips in 2011, as well as several smaller closures since.

I’anson said the recent slips had resulted in new cracking in the rock faces.

The agency needed to identify if there was a risk of rock falling on to the road and what work was required to provide further protection for road users, he said.

The geology of the gorge was complex and the assessments

needed to be detailed, he said.

‘‘We understand how frustrating the current situation in the gorge is and we know the significant impact it is having for road users, businesses and residents, but the safety of road users is paramount.’’

The gorge’s closure has meant both the Saddle Rd and Pahiatua Track were taking more traffic as alternative routes.

On Tuesday last week, travellers faced delays on both alternative routes, because of a crash on the Saddle Rd and a breakdown on the Pahiatua Track.

There have been calls from business owners, residents of Ashhurst and Woodville, and truck company managers for a better long-term solution.

I’anson said the agency was working on a business case looking at a resilient route between the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges.