The Manawatu Gorge is likely to be closed for some time after new geotechnical assessments showed major safety concerns about the route.
NZTA this morning said there is an imminent risk of further slips or rockfalls above the Kerry's Wall rockface.
State Highway 3 runs through the Gorge and connects Manawatu with the Hawke's Bay.
It has been closed since rockfalls in April and the thousands of vehicles that use the route have been diverted over the Saddle Road.
Geotechnical assessments have shown the entire hillside is moving and the risk of another slip has force NZTA to remove all contractors from the current work site.
NZTA Regional Transport System Manager Ross I'Anson says the agency knows the latest development about the Gorge will add to the frustration and stress local businesses and residents are already facing.
"We understand the impact that this ongoing closure has on people's lives, but the safety of road users is paramount and the current unstable conditions in the gorge mean it simply cannot be opened to traffic until more work is done to fully understand the risks and how they might be mitigated."
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