The Te Ahu a Turanga – Manawatū Tararua Highway is a 11-kilometre-long (7-mile), four-lane highway under construction connecting Ashhurst and Woodville over the Ruahine Range following the closure of the Manawatū Gorge road in 2017.[1][2] Previously, traffic travelling from the east and west of the central North Island[3] used the Manawatū Gorge road, first opened in 1872.[6] In March 2018, the route was confirmed as the preferred option, running north of the old gorge, between Ashhurst and Woodville and had an estimated NZD$350m–$450m cost at the time.[7][8] Construction began in January 2021 and completion is scheduled for mid 2025 with a estimated final cost $620 million.[12] Many Woodville residents opposed the tolling, including cost of living concerns.