New highway roadshow hits Tararua
The latest series of public information sessions on Te Ahu A Turanga — the Manawatu¯ Tararua Highway — started in Dannevirke on Tuesday March 10 and a large crowd in excess of 150 received the latest updates.
A sizeable group representing NZTA with technical experts present, together with iwi partners mingled with the crowd answering questions.
Featuring were the latest design maps and a series of DVD presentations portraying artist conceptions of the latest designs.
The main developments on the new maps and DVDs showed the highway with its shared path running alongside the highway for walkers and cyclists.
Project Manager Lonnie Dalzell said the design was challenging, given the rugged landscape and the challenge to make the path appealing and aesthetically pleasing.
The addition of 3km of slow vehicle lanes on the Ruahine Ranges was also shown, effectively making the highway four lanes for its entire 11.5km length.
Both the changes were the result of public consultation.
Additional work to achieve the project’s goal of “treading lightly” through the environment was described with plans announced to have the 11ha of vegetation which has to be removed replaced by 46ha of vegetation in targeted areas actually enhancing the environment, coupled with the fencing of 35ha of existing vegetation to keep stock out.
There are currently 10 ecologists doing stream and habitat assessments.
Progress towards the target for completion at the end of 2024 is still realistic, according to Dalzell a significant stage of applying for regional consent from Horizons being lodged this week and a direct communication with the Environment Court being made with the hope of moving the project forward quickly.
The project’s design team has completed the concept design and is working with the construction team to finalise the build programme.
This has involved designing 40 culverts, earthworks of 5.5 million cubic metres, nine large stormwater treatment wetlands and a bridge spanning 300m over the Manawatu¯ River.
■ This roadshow next moves to Pahiatua Town Hall on Tuesday March 17, 4pm-6.30pm and Woodville’s Te Ahu a Turanga Marae on Wednesday March 18, 4pm-7pm.