Crews using two portable geotechnical rigs have begun the task of taking core samples from number of locations along the preferred corridor of the new State Highway 3 replacement for the Manawatū Gorge.
Lonnie Dalzell, the NZ Transport Agency’s Manawatū Gorge Project Manager says in some cases the rigs will need be transported by helicopter to positions that currently can’t be safely accessed by heavy vehicles.
“This is an important part of the investigation process and an exciting step forward for the project,” Mr Dalzell says.
“The samples we take will be used to get a better understand of geology of the area and this information will help inform the detailed design process.”
“We are aiming to complete the sampling work over the next six weeks, but it is weather dependant.”
In March, the NZ Transport Agency selected the preferred corridor from 4 options. It runs from near the Te Apiti carpark western entry of the closed Manawatū Gorge, cross the Ruahine Ranges north of the Gorge, before emerging at Woodville.
“The Transport Agency project team is currently working on the planning and procurement of the next phases of the project with the construction of the new road scheduled to begin in 2020, and completed by 2024,” Mr Dalzell says.
More information can be found here: www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh3-manawatu-gorge
