Why haven’t you decided yet on a preferred option for Mt Messenger?
The Mt Messenger bypass Project is the largest and most complex of the three projects in the Awakino Gorge to Mt Messenger Programme. The findings of our earlier consultation indicated that although people want a route that provides travel time, safety and reliability benefits, there were also concerns about the environmental and cultural effects of constructing a bypass, in the short and long terms.
We are carrying out more in-depth investigations to find an optimal and affordable solution that balances these concerns with stakeholder needs and expectations.
Why do the options include tunnels and bridges?
The possibility of using structures such as modern tunnels and bridges allows us to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of building an improved route in this challenging terrain. Their potential use, along with cuts through ridges and fills in valleys, would reduce the impact on the land. However these are high-cost engineering elements so we are working to decide on the most affordable options and reduce the environmental impact.
How do the options correlate to the options in the earlier consultation?
Option A is located generally in the same area as Option 3. Options B1 and B2 are broadly similar to Option 2. Option D follows some parts of the existing highway.
We did further investigation and design work to refine the routes, including a detailed study of the land contours.
Does the New Zealand Transport Agency favour a particular option?
The Transport Agency and its alliance partners do not favour any particular option, however each option has clearly identifiable strengths and weaknesses. They are working through an options assessment process to see how the options perform against the project’s objectives and costs.
When will you confirm a preferred option?
We are expecting that a preferred option to improve customer journeys along this section of State Highway 3 will be announced over the next few months.