PHOTO: NZTA
Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway Nears Completion
The Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway project is making significant strides as it approaches its anticipated completion in mid-2025. This ambitious infrastructure initiative, led by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, aims to replace the Manawatū Gorge route, which was permanently closed in 2017 due to a major slip.
Spanning 11.5 kilometers, the new highway will provide a safer, more resilient, and efficient connection between Woodville and Ashhurst. Designed with two lanes in each direction, the route is expected to reduce travel times significantly, offering a 13-minute drive for general motorists and an 18-minute journey for freight vehicles.
Key milestones have already been achieved, including the structural completion of the Parahaki Bridge over the Manawatū River. Most of the highway is now covered with asphalt, and the installation of wire rope barriers has commenced. The project, which involves a collaboration between Waka Kotahi, construction companies, and local iwi, is estimated to cost $824.1 million and is providing employment for up to 350 people at any given time.
The highway is set to enhance regional connectivity, supporting economic growth by improving access for freight and visitors. It will also offer a more reliable alternative to the Saddle Road, benefiting both light and heavy vehicles with reduced travel time and operating costs.
As the project enters its final stages, the focus remains on delivering a high-quality, sustainable transport solution that meets the needs of the Manawatū-Whanganui region and beyond.
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