Following the recent month-long closure of the Manawatu Gorge, the New Zealand Transport Agency could explore alternative route options.
The state highway through the gorge has been closed for the past month after two slips in April, and another slip earlier this month blocked the road. It is the main route from Hawke's Bay to Palmerston North.
NZTA regional highways manager Ross I'Anson said the unique geology of the area, the nature of the Manawatu Gorge and location of the road, made that section of State Highway 3 susceptible to closure.
"When the road is closed and detours are in place it impacts the region's economy, and it's a disruption for the people and businesses that rely on the route, as well as for those who live in the communities along the alternate route," he said.
Figures for the cost of gorge maintenance over the past five years were not available, however a large slip in 2011 which closed the gorge for 13 months was estimated at more than $21million.