Manawatu Gorge closed from Monday 9am for truck recovery operation

The NZ Transport Agency is advising motorists that the Manawatu Gorge will be closed from 9am on Monday 11 July to allow the recovery of a truck that went off the road and into the river on Friday 8 July.

“A large crane is needed to lift the truck out of the river. The room required for the crane means that we will have to close the road completely while the recovery operation takes place,” Ross I’Anson, Acting Highway Manager, NZ Transport Agency says.

“We know that the Manawatu Gorge is an important route and our contractors are working hard to get the job done as quickly as possible. However it is challenging terrain and the contractors need to take their time to do the job safely. We appreciate people’s patience while we deal with this unexpected incident.”

“While the road is closed on Monday for the recovery operation, there are two alternative routes which are Saddle Road or the Pahiatua Track. When the road is open again we will let people know via our website, social media channels, and electronic variable messaging signs at Ashhurst and Woodville,” Mr I’Anson says.

Over the weekend the Manawatu Gorge will be open under temporary traffic management with the road near the crash site reduced to one lane and controlled by traffic lights.

“We encourage people to plan ahead if travelling through the Gorge. Regularly updated information is available from the Transport Agency’s traffic and travel information section on its website, from the Transport Agency’s Central North Island Twitter account @NZTACNI and Facebook page, or by calling 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49),” Mr I’Anson says.

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