Government invests in $620m Manawatū Gorge replacement highway

September 24, 2019

The project, connecting Palmerston North to Woodville, will cost $620 million.

After almost a decade of neglect, according to Transport Minister Phil Twyford, the Government is investing $620 million into the Manawatū Gorge replacement highway.

Mr Twyford made the announcement today, which includes initial funding of up to $100 million made available from a reallocation of funding by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA). 

The NZTA has completed the preliminary concept design for the new road and is currently working through the consent process. Subject to resource consents, enabling works are expected to begin this year, and full construction is expected to get underway next year, with completion of the project expected in 2024.

NZTA said in a statement today $313 million in funding was being re-allocated from the rapid transit activity class in the 2018–21 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) to be used to progress the highway.

The package includes $190 million for state highway improvements - Manawatu Gorge replacement, targeted safety improvements, bridge replacements and other essential resilience work, $60 million for public transport - to progress the Auckland Transport Alignment Project (ATAP) and other high priority initiatives and $63 million to be divided between walking and cycling, road policing and local road improvements

The new road is being welcomed but it won't be completed for another six years.

Mr Twyford took a stab at the previous Government, saying the notorious piece of road had been neglected for nine years.

"The last government didn’t commit funding. We have to make sure that this important highway can be built as soon as possible," he said.

The replacement highway will restore a transport link that supports the needs of locals and travellers through the region, Mr Twyford said, adding the new project would boost the economy throughout the lower North Island through to the East Coast.

The main link between the Manawatu and Hawke's Bay has been closed since April.

"We're spending more than ever before in transport and there's more than 100 projects completed or underway under this Government, with many more to come.

"I welcome the NZTA Board's decision to reallocate funding while the Ministry of Transport evaluates options for Auckland light rail. It means we can crack on with other projects while we take the time to get a multi-billion dollar game-changing infrastructure for Auckland right."

As with other projects, the rest of the funding will be spread out in the next three-year National Land Transport Programme 2021-24 as the Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway project reaches key milestones.

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