While a final design hasn’t been confirmed, Project Manager Lonnie Dalzell says the indicative route sees the new road run from near the western entry of the closed SH3 gorge route, cross the Ruahine Ranges north of the Gorge, and reconnect to SH3 at Woodville.“It provides a visualisation which gives people an idea where the road will go over the Ruahine Ranges and a feel for what it might look like,” Mr Dalzell says.“Great progress is being made on the new road, as well as this sneak peek, the project team has recently completed geotechnical investigations along the proposed corridor of the replacement route.”“A total of 15 boreholes (the deepest being 50 metres) yielded 530 metres of core samples which have now been sent to the lab for testing. The ground core samples will provide further understanding of the area and key information for the project as we refine our knowledge and continue the investigation of the proposed corridor.”Mr Dalzell also says the project’s full name, Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Gorge Replacement Route Project, recognises the spiritual, cultural and historical significance of the land near where work has been taking place high in the Ruahine Ranges.

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