Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening onsite and behind the scenes – January 2025 update.
Construction
The pavements teams are making good progress putting down layers of structural asphalt, the second to top layer of the road, with 98% of this completed. On top of these layers of asphalt will go a final surfacing layer called Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA), which is 30% completed. All pavement layers are expected to be completed by early April.
The shared use path – which runs the full length of the highway – is about 30% sealed.
Structures
The bridge deck on Parahaki Bridge – the 300-metre-long structure crossing the Manawatū River – was completed in November 2024, making the bridge structurally complete. However, there is still a lot of work to be done before it can be opened to traffic. The team is now working on installing the barriers and creating the viewing platform, which will sit in the middle of the bridge on the eastern side, offering magnificent views down Te Āpiti - Manawatū Gorge.
The Eco-Viaduct is mostly complete, with the team currently installing the barriers. Beneath this bridge will be a recreational wetland experience, enabling people to enjoy the beautiful native bush in this area. Earthworks are about to get underway for this, which will connect to the shared use path.
Landscaping
The landscaping team are about to start creating the new Gateway Park to the west of the southern abutment of Parahaki Bridge. This is the site where the Te Āpiti - Manawatū Gorge walk carpark was before the project started. The 3-hectare park will include gardens, picnic areas, more than 1,000 square metres of lawn and access to the Manawatū River. It will also include a section of the Shared Use Path and a carpark for users of Te Āpiti - Manawatū Gorge.
