“Our most recent records show annual average data of 6947 vehicles per day.”
Interestingly, that’s not much higher than the average on the Saddle Rd in the months before the highway opened.
Then-mayor Tracey Collis told Hawke’s Bay Today around the time the highway opened that the problematic Saddle Rd was averaging 6941 vehicle movements a day.
But for those who’ve made the switch, it has been a game-changer.
Tararua Mayor Scott Gilmore said the journey between the Tararua District and Palmerston North was transformed as a result.
“I’ve travelled the highway many times since it opened and I still find myself smiling every time I drive it.”
It has changed the way people access health services, hospital appointments and ongoing treatment, he said.
“I’ve spoken to people who are genuinely grateful for a faster and much more comfortable journey at what can already be a challenging time in their lives.”
Work began on the replacement road in January 2021.
Then came a moa bone discovery in March 2021, a $200 million cost blowout and a toll fight against an NZTA proposal of charging $4.30 for light vehicles and $8.60 for heavy vehicles to use the 11.5km replacement route in 2024.
Finally, on June 11, 2025, eight years after a slip permanently closed the Manawatū Gorge in 2017, the new highway opened.
Tararua police response manager and Senior Sergeant Carey Williamson said the overall number of crashes was significantly lower than those recorded on the alternative routes before the highway.
A year on, the highway has had benefits for road safety and real estate activity. Photo / NZTA
He said the road’s design and safety features helped reduce the level of harm from the crashes.
“This includes lower injury severity, reduced disruption from road closures and decreased demand on emergency services.”
Williamson said vehicle breakdowns, debris or objects falling from vehicles, and livestock on the roadway were the most common causes of callouts.
“The majority of these incidents have been resolved quickly with minimal impact on traffic flow.”
While described as steep, the highway has significantly cut down travel times. Photo / NZTA
He said there had been reports of people walking on the carriageway that he wanted to highlight.
“This behaviour is both dangerous and unnecessary, given that shared user paths are available and specifically designed to keep pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicles safely separated.”
Property Brokers commercial and residential sales consultant Kerry Sutherland said there had been a pick-up in real estate activity in Dannevirke since the highway opened.
“If it’s not actually out-of-town buyers that have been doing it by creating competition, it’s making the locals do something.”
He said this had helped keep Dannevirke’s High St tenanted.
“We have seen a positive behaviour change in people looking for lifestyle blocks and lower-value properties.
“If we utilise this road, the cost of property is very reasonable here compared to the Manawatū … if we are smart, those trends will continue.”
Bayleys Real Estate country, lifestyle and farm sales agent, Vic Ellingham, said she too had seen an increase in inquiries from the Manawatū area.
“[There are] a few more investors looking to purchase as they see a potential lift in property prices in the coming years due to the new road. Plus, we are seeing a slight increase in buyers looking to relocate and commute to the Manawatū.”
Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based out of the Hastings newsroom. She covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and loves sharing stories about farming and rural communities.