Council responds to NZTA SH4 updates

Published on 11 October 2019

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The New Zealand Transport Agency’s (NZTA) announcement that their initial assessment of a slip which closed SH4 between Raetihi and the Fields Track intersection last week was significant and would take some time to repair comes as no surprise to Whanganui District Council.

Whanganui Mayor Hamish McDouall says, “It’s obvious from pictures that this is a very significant slip which NZTA advises is still moving. We won’t have a full picture of the damage and repair options until it stops moving.

“In the meantime, our infrastructure team has been liaising closely with NZTA and Ruapehu District Council to manage the impact of the slip on the districts’ roading network.”

The Council’s economic development agency, Whanganui & Partners, is looking at the economic implications for the district by the road closure.

“While Whanganui can still operate through good connections via SH3, we believe a prolonged closure will have an impact on the Whanganui economy,” says Whanganui & Partners Chief Executive, Mark Ward.

“SH4 is an important transport route connecting us with the Central North Island and beyond. With the road closed extra time and cost will be added to locals and businesses reliant on that route.”

Mark Ward says they will get a better picture of the impact of the slip on Whanganui over the coming weeks. “NZTA is meeting with Whanganui and Ruapehu District councils next week to provide a detailed update.”

 

 

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