File photo. Photo: 123rf.com
The road to Tāngarākau Gorge will remain closed for another six weeks.
The road has been closed as part of a project to seal the 12 kilometre section of State Highway 43 in the Manawatū-Whanganui region.
It will not be able to be accessed on weekdays between 9am-12pm and 1pm-3pm until mid-May.
People will be stopped at the intersections of Moki Road and Heao Road so they can turn around before they reach the road closure, and emergency services and residents will be allowed through when required.
Waka Kotahi project manager Sree Nutulapati said wet weather and consenting delays had slowed their progress.
"We know these closures are disruptive. However, completing these works this season will improve the road's resilience to winter weather and reduce the risk of future damage and delay," he said.
The project is expected to be completed by next summer, and is currently halfway through with almost six kilometres of the gorge sealed.
Waka Kotahi said this will provide a more resilient and safer connection between Taumarunui and Stratford.