With construction on Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway just around the corner, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is encouraging people to get along to one of the drop-in information sessions taking place this month.
The information sessions will be an opportunity for people to see the latest animated flyover video and chat with experts from the team about progress on the project.
“This project will reconnect Manawatū, Tararua District, Hawke’s Bay and northern Wairarapa, and restore a crucial link for our communities, travellers and businesses across the North Island,” Owner Interface Manager Lonnie Dalzell says.
“It’s hugely important to the region and we know there’s a high level of interest from the community.
“There’s been a lot of activity over the last few months. An enabling works programme is underway ahead of main construction, including access tracks, a temporary car park, and quarry preparation works. A new construction site office in Ashhurst will be home to the project team of close to 100 people from mid-November.
“Our planners, designers, ecologists and engineers have been working hard to prepare for construction and we’re looking forward to getting that underway in January, subject to resource consent.
“The information sessions are a great opportunity for people to talk to our project team to find out more and experience the new highway with our interactive drive-through.”
Experts from the team will also be on-hand with a display of carefully selected plants that will be used throughout the project.
“Over the course of the project we’ll plant around two million plants along streams and in the vicinity of the highway route, as part of our vision to enhance the nearby environment wherever we can.”
The drop-in sessions will be held on:
Those who can’t make a session but want to keep up with the latest highway news can sign up for email updates on the project website:
Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway
More information sessions will be run as the project progresses.
For people planning travel over the Saddle Road over the festive period, check the Waka Kotahi Facebook page for traffic updates https://www.facebook.com/nztacni/(external link)
The Manawatū Gorge carpark will be closed from 30 November and a temporary carpark over the road will be opened, to provide carparking at the western entrance to the Gorge for the duration of the project.
