The AA is pleased to hear the design for the road that will eventually replace the closed Manawatu Gorge will now be four lanes for its whole length.

The NZ Transport Agency had been consulting interested groups recently on a proposal that would have included 3km of single lane in each direction.

Manawatu AA District Council Chairman Garry Goodman says NZTA has listened to the community and agreed to maintain four lanes for the whole length, which makes much more sense.

“The road will be safer without having places where the traffic has to merge back into one lane. By having a central median barrier it will also safely accommodate the mix of heavy vehicles and cars on a mountain route that can often have challenging weather conditions.”

“For the small margin in cost, this design will now deliver a significantly higher level of safety and service. It would never be as affordable to add width to the road later. It’s much better value-for-money to do it right the first time,” says Mr Goodman.

The AA is following the development of the Manawatū Tararua highway with interest because it is such an important connecting road for everyone who travels around the lower North Island.

The AA is also following progress on the Palmerston North ring road, which will ultimately enable traffic to bypass central Palmerston North rather than travel through the city’s streets.

“Both the Manawatū Tararua highway and the ring-road project will establish a very efficient transport network that will benefit Palmerston North and the cities around us for the foreseeable future,” says Mr Goodman.

For more information contact:

Garry Goodman
Chairman
AA Manawatu District Council 
M. 022 357 1280
E. goodman@inspire.net.nz