Independent commissioner to hear Mt Messenger bypass applicationsGRANT MATTHEW/STUFF Motorists will be redirected on the proposed highway down a bush clad valley, east of the Mt Messenger summit. A sole independent commissioner will hear 60 resource consent applications to upgrade State Highway 3 across Mt Messenger, north of New Plymouth, a Taranaki Regional Council consents and regulatory committee was told. READ MORE:* Farmer says Mt Messenger road option would be environmental and ecological suicide* Mt Messenger: A short history and future of the gatekeeper of Taranaki's northern route* Taranaki truckers say the most expensive Mt Messenger option is the best* Direct route is the most favoured option for Mt Messenger SH3* Mt Messenger dumping ground a bad look for TaranakiSixteen submissions were neutral and three were put in late so were not counted. Under the RMA any costs incurred by having an independent commissioner are paid for by the submitters who request the change. The proposed 5.2km bypass included a bridge and tunnel and would redirect traffic on the eastern side of Mt Messenger range.

Source: Stuff March 13, 2018 18:36 UTC