The Manawatu Gorge road could be opened a little earlier than previously thought.
The road has been closed for about a year since a massive slip dumped debris onto the highway.
It was partly opened in May, but then closed again in July because a section was washed away by rising river levels.
The Transport Agency's regional state highways manager, David McGonigal, says the road could open at the end of August, instead of in September.
He says one lane will initially be opened.
Mr McGonigal says long hours are being put in to fix the main section.
