24 Jul 2017

Manawatu Gorge hit by another slip

9:15 pm on 24 July 2017

Another large slip has come down on the road through the Manawatu Gorge - which has been closed since April.

The latest slip in the Manawatu Gorge.

The latest slip in the Manawatu Gorge. Photo: Supplied: NZTA

The Transport Agency said heavy rain over the weekend was likely to be the reason for the slip, which brought down about 10,000 cubic metres of material, including large boulders.

An Agency Manager Ross I'Anson said it demonstrated the Gorge's current instability.

While State Highway 3 through the Gorge is closed, motorists have been diverted to the Saddle Road and the Pahiatua Track to get between Manawatu and Hawke's Bay.

The Agency is upgrading both to cope with the increased traffic.