The announcement of Option 3 as the preferred replacement for State Highway 3 through the Manawatu Gorge has the full support of the Road Transport Forum and the road freight industry, says RTF chief executive Ken Shirley.

“RTF advocated strongly for Option 3 during the consultation process as it is the most suitable route for road freight, taking into account all the geographical challenges, proposed gradients and future resilience,” says Shirley.

“We are pleased that local communities, businesses and road transport companies who depend on crossing the lower North Island now know what to expect in terms of the new route and the timeline for construction.”

Shirley says it is encouraging that NZTA will continue investigations into the efficacy of the proposed Regional Freight Ring Road and new bridge across the Manawatu River. Palmerston North is becoming an increasingly important freight hub of national significance and it is vital to support this with the appropriate infrastructure.

“Key investments such as this mustn‘t be put on the back-burner as they are critical to the lower North Island and New Zealand‘s ongoing economic growth. RTF looks forward to being involved in supporting this project,” he says.