The trucking industry has got what it wanted from a new road to replace the Manawatu Gorge road.

The route picked by the Transport Agency for a new road to replace the Manawatu Gorge road is the one the industry had been hoping for.

Slips have closed the existing road since April last year.

The new State Highway 3 route will cross the Ruahine Ranges, and emerge at Woodville.

Construction is due to begin in 2020.

Road Transport Forum chief Ken Shirley believes the Agency has made the right choice.

"In freight distance is critical, you want the shortest route, you want the least disruptive route and in our analysis option three was out preferred option."

Shirley is also pleased the Agency will look at developing a freight ring road as well.

"It's very important with the congestion that is developing around Palmerston North to have a ring road around the city."