New gorge road in for last touches

Drivers face their final delays travelling the Manawatu Gorge as the massive repair job on the beleaguered road comes to an end.

David McGonigal, New Zealand Transport Agency Palmerston North state highways manager, said contractors would this week lay down a second coat of seal on the rebuilt section of the State Highway Three road and bridges fronting the repaired slip site.

Fresh road markings would be painted on the surface once it was laid and would complete work on the new section, he said.

The work depended on the weather, Mr McGonigal said, so would be carried out during the first decent period of dry weather.

"These roadworks might seem mundane, but they are the last coat of paint on what has been a long and demanding recovery effort."

The gorge re-opened at the end of May after being closed on August 18 last year, when heavy rain caused a major slip.

The gorge re-opened two days before another massive slip again closed the roadway.

"The gorge has been fully open for some time but there has been a range of niggly jobs that we needed to get done before we could pack up. This is the last of those jobs.

"When we build a new road, we have to come back a few weeks later and lay down a second layer of asphalt to ensure it stays tough and durable, so that's what this final task is. Once the job's done, the contractors will be packing up their site office and having a well-earned cuppa."

Mr McGonigal said the site would be controlled by stop-go operation and speed restrictions this week.

Work crews also would install permanent signs and edge marker posts, as well as carry out general clean-up work.

Mr McGonigal said the NZTA would continue to work with the Tararua District Council and Palmerston North City Council over the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Saddle Rd.