The route has been blocked since April, causing major disruption to the District and a loss of visitors to towns like Woodville. (Photo \ Getty Images)

Locals push for tunnel if Manawatu Gorge can't reopen

Author: Newstalk ZB staff,
Publish Date: Wed, 26 Jul 2017, 8:11AM

Locals are pushing for a tunnel - if the Manawatu Gorge can't reopen.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges is set to make an announcement on the slip-damaged Gorge at 9am.

The route has been blocked since April, causing major disruption to the District and a loss of visitors to towns like Woodville.

Woodville resident and Tararua District Councillor Peter Johns told Mike Hosking a tunnel might be costly but it's the next best thing.

"There needs to be a flat reliable road. There are plenty of tunnels around the world that our engineers can take advice from, it's not an impossibility."

LISTEN ABOVE AS PETER JOHNS SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING