The NZ Transport Agency is advising motorists that the Manawatū Gorge will reopen at 4pm today following the recovery of a truck that went off the road and into the river on Friday 8 July.
“The truck recovery operation went smoothly and the contractor was able to retrieve the truck from the river. However until we are able to reinstate the damaged guard rail, the area near the crash site will be reduced to a single lane and will remain under temporary traffic management, controlled by traffic lights,” Ross I’Anson, Acting Highway Manager, NZ Transport Agency says.
“Motorists may experience short delays when travelling through the site. We plan to repair the guard rail as soon as possible. We appreciate people’s patience while we deal with this unexpected incident.”
“When the road is fully open again we will let people know via our website, social media channels, and electronic variable messaging signs at Ashhurst and Woodville,” Mr I’Anson says.
“We encourage people to plan ahead if travelling through the Gorge. Regularly updated information is available from the Transport Agency’s traffic and travel information section on its website, from the Transport Agency’s Central North Island Twitter account @NZTACNI and Facebook page, or by calling 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49),” Mr I’Anson says.
