Plans for new Te Ahu a Turanga Manawatu-Tararua Highway outlined

A virtual image of western entry to the new highway.

NZTA came to Dannevirke on Thursday August 15 to present an update on the Te Ahu a Turanga Manawatu-Tararua Highway. It also provided information sessions in Woodville and Pahiatua.

Good crowds attended the presentations, witnessing a virtual flyover on video, viewing a map and model and other posters outlining the timeline, iwi partnership and concept design.

Over 80 members of the Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce were privileged to hear Project Manager Lonnie Dalzell and Regional Performance Manager Mark Owen at the Dannevirke Services and Citizens' Club that evening explaining in more detail the progress being made and the considerations influencing the design process.

In terms of highway design the steepness of the two ends has required the building of crawler lanes meaning the highway will be mostly four lanes but with a reduction to two lanes on the top to prevent it becoming an expressway. Dalzell said it was important that the time taken crossing the range was consistent so travellers could plan their journey.

He said reducing the gradient to 10 per cent required some pretty deep cuts into the terrain, the steepest 55m, one of the biggest in the country.

He also said fencing the centre line would be done – a policy being extended throughout the country as a safety measure.

With the request from the public strongly in favour of a shared user path across the range he said design work was being carried out at present, taking into consideration that the path would not be too close to the highway.

The environment has had a major effect on bridging the structures designed to withstand the earthquake threat and actually stronger than Transmission Gully.

He said the need to preserve sensitive environments had resulted in an extension of the eco-viaduct from 140m to 300m with a viewing platform added.

This is one of three pull-over spots to be placed along the highway so views of the Manawatu Gorge can be preserved. "We must make sure we do not lose our connection with the Gorge," said Dalzell.

Caring for the environment, especially considering iwi concerns, has been a major part of the process in the last six months.

He recognises some native trees may not survive and NZTA has a team sourcing seeds from the oldest heritage totara so that areas can be replanted.

He says extensive revegetating of the slopes will occur but there is a restriction in height because of Meridian power generation.

Dalzell also spoke about the socio-economic considerations influencing the project.
He said employment of at least 75 locals on the project out of a total workforce of 250 is promised.

Housing them is being organised, with the Alliance planning a number of permanent and temporary residences.

A culture of Zero Harm through a Culture of Care is being put in place to ensure workers are safe while the highway is constructed.

Despite land still to be purchased and consents to be gained Dalzell is confident the 2024 deadline will be reached.

"Trying to compress the consent process in half has its risks," says Dalzell.

"And in the end we can use the Works Act for compulsory purchase but I would rather settle things with objectors amicably."