The NZ Transport Agency is advising motorists that State Highway 3 through the Manawatu Gorge will be closed during the day on Wednesday to enable contractors to set up for rockfall protection works.
Regional journeys manager Delaney Myers says approximately 2000 square metres of rockfall netting will be installed at the site of the slip that came down earlier this month. The $250k netting will provide protection to motorists and is deemed necessary before both lanes within the gorge can be safely reopened.
The closure will enable contractors to establish the worksite, which will involve moving a crane and other machinery into place.
Motorists will be diverted to the alternative routes. Ms Myers says the Transport Agency thanks motorists for their understanding while this important safety work is carried out.
The closure will run from 9.30am and the road will be reopened by 4.30 at the latest, so impacts on commuter travel should be minimal.
