State Highway 4 Parapara between Whanganui and Raetihi to get permanent fix

State Highway 4 suffered major damage at Te Ore Ore due to a slip. Photo / Supplied

The new road to replace a section of State Highway 4 at Te Ore Ore damaged in a major slip last year will follow a similar path to the temporary route.

New Zealand Transport Agency's chosen option will cross a stabilised section of the slip at Te Ore Ore and was chosen after a range of routes were assessed.

NZTA regional transport systems manager Ross I'Anson said the assessment took into account cultural heritage, impact on property owners, ease of construction and landscape protection.

"The road is in a difficult environment so any option would need to strengthen the highway's resilience so it can better withstand the challenges of the unique topography and severe weather," I'Anson said.

It was a vital route for locals, travellers and freight, he said.

The chosen option will improve ground stability by lowering groundwater levels to help guard SH4 against future slips.

Further work on detailed design, resource consents and property discussions is under way and work will begin soon to remove water using wells and pumps in preparation for construction, expected to start in the summer of 2021.

"We would like to thank Ātihau-Whanganui Incorporation and mana whenua Ngāti Rangi for their generosity and support throughout the process of building the temporary road and looking at options away from the existing road," I'Anson said.

"We look forward to continuing to work alongside them as we move to the next phase."