The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) is taking control of the Saddle Rd and Pahiatua Track as the closure of the Manawatu Gorge looks set to continue for a further two months.
NZTA regional state highways manager David McGonigal said the agency made the decision after receiving the latest geological assessment results.
The agency's road crews have assumed responsibility for the maintenance of the detour routes. The detours had previously been maintained by council contractors based on a funding agreement with the agency.
Mr McGonigal said by temporarily taking over the alternative routes, road crews would help to ensure the routes remained safe.
The decision follows a meeting last Friday between the NZTA and the mayors and chief executives of the Tararua and Manawatu local bodies. Local businesses said the longer drive times were hitting them in the pocket as repairs dragged into a seventh week.