Journeys along the Forgotten World Highway are now safer and easier, with the first stage of sealing work through the Tāngarākau Gorge complete.
The first stage of sealing works along the Forgotten World Highway (State Highway 43) is now complete. The project will help ensure safer journeys for locals and encourage many more people to experience the beauty of SH43.
The project, funded by Kānoa – Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit, involves replacing the unsealed section of State Highway 43 with chip-seal to make the road safer and more reliable.
Waka Kotahi Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery Rob Partridge says the improvement will mean safer journeys for locals and encourage many more people to experience the beauty of SH43.
“The Forgotten World Highway is one of New Zealand’s great journeys and sealing this final stretch obviously makes it safer and more accessible. But it’s also going to encourage a lot more people to make this fabulous journey, which will benefit local businesses and the wider community,” says Mr Partridge.
“This is such an important project for both the local community and the Taranaki region, so it’s great to see the excellent progress being made.”
Ngāti Maru Pou Whakahaere Anaru Marshall says the work on SH43 is opening up parts of their rohe to travellers, locals and their own people alike.
“For Ngāti Maru - it is important that people are safe and well cared for while travelling through Ngati Maru Land."
Stratford Mayor Neil Volzke says he is extremely happy with the progress that has been made on this long-awaited project.
“Successive mayors have been calling for this road to be sealed for the last 60 years, so obviously I was delighted to get the green light for the works to happen and even more delighted when they started.
“This project is a huge opportunity for Taranaki and will support increased visitor numbers to our region. We are excited to share such a unique scenic drive with the rest of the country.”
Work began in November last year and included drainage works and the construction of new retaining walls and culverts. Pavement works and final sealing of the initial 2km section took place throughout March and April.
Despite the challenges of working in such a remote location, COVID-19 impacts, and severe weather events, contractor Inframax completed the first section of road on schedule.
The project is well-placed to complete the remaining sections as planned over the next two sealing seasons, during the necessary warmer temperatures.
With work complete for the season, traffic management has been removed and SH43 is fully open to traffic.
Waka Kotahi thanks the construction crew and Ngāti Maru and Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui for their ongoing efforts and partnership, and the local community for their patience and cooperation while work was underway.
