NZ Transport Agency crews have finished cutting a path through dense bush to reach the top of the Manawatu gorge slip, and are clearing bush to establish a safe working platform for the earth moving equipment due to start benching (terracing) the slip early next week.
The NZ Transport Agency is making excellent progress with a track up to the crest of the Manawatu Gorge slip site, and heavy equipment is due to begin work next week attacking the unstable slope from the top down.
The NZ Transport Agency has made some changes to the posted Saddle Road detour route through Ashhurst to improve traffic flow and safety, and is thanking motorists and residents for their patience and understanding as the adjustments are made.
The NZ Transport Agency has announced the next phase of its plan of attack to secure the unstable hillside that has closed State Highway 3 through the Manawatu Gorge for more than 80 days.
The NZ Transport Agency will begin upgrades of the Saddle Road on Monday to improve traffic flow for the thousands of motorists using the road as a detour during the closure of the Manawatu Gorge.
Diggers are on the move again at the State Highway 3 Manawatu Gorge slip site after a period of settled weather enabled crews to return safely to the site.