Submissions on plans for a new highway to replace the closed State Highway 3 Manawatu Gorge route are now open to the public

The gorge road, which had been one of the main routes between the west and east coasts of the lower North Island has been closed since 2017 after multiple slips blocked the road.

NZTA Interface manager Lonnie Dalzell says usually they invite people to have their say face to face but due to Covid-19 they won't be holding meetings so submissions must be made via email.

Submissions are open until 4.45 on the afternoon of Friday 24 April.