Residents in the Manawatu town of Ashhurst say their lifestyle has been adversely affected by the closure of the Manawatu Gorge and the heavy traffic which now runs through the town.
Activities such as horse riding, cycling and walking no longer feel safe or enjoyable on the busy road, and residents want a permanent solution.
Among the disgruntled are horse riding enthusiasts who have gathered from all over the central North Island to ride in the town of Ashhurst, and while they used to meet regularly, they now deem it too unsafe.
"What do you do, do you just ride around in circles in your paddock all day? You know, what are the options?" rider Sam McIver said.
Ashhurst resident Arthur Yeo said there's simply no safe access to the river and hills from his farm anymore.
"We've ridden from here through Ashhurst Village to the hills beyond, to the wind farm and to the river, and that just stopped overnight,” Mr Yeo said.
Mr Yeo has gone to the local council to seek some temporary solutions, including negotiating access through private land and widening overbridges and pathways.
"How can we get safe access to our pristine, beautiful riding areas again?" Mr Yeo said.
While the area used to consist of quiet suburban streets, residents are now having to battle heavy traffic due to the ongoing closure of the gorge, which has been closed indefinitely.
The Palmerston North City Council said it's trying to make life easier for residents as it considers other options.
Palmerston North city councillor Aleisha Rutherford said, "We need to be able to make sure we've got good access from A to B - wherever A and B might be, for our community - and they might be riders, they might be walkers, whoever they are" .
Speed has been reduced in the area, and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) is considering the installation of traffic signals, speed bumps, traffic islands, and even a by-pass of Ashhurst.
However, the agency said nothing can be done about the high volume of traffic.
NZTA Manawatu system manager Ross I'Anson said, "We have looked at those options. Our focus, really, is on making sure the community in Ashhurst is looked after, they're safe".
Locals now want a separate corridor for recreational users' access, which will be constructed at the same time as the new road.
"Cyclists, walkers, equestrian folk - we can all use it," Mr Yeo said.
Work on the new road is expected to begin next year to be ready by 2024.
SHARE ME