IMPROVEMENT OF HIGHWAYS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 69, Issue 51, 9 December 1948, Page 4

IMPROVEMENT OF HIGHWAYS

Sealed Surfaces and Bridges WORK BEING PUSHED FORWARD l * (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Dec. 8. Plans for the improvement of main highways and bridges in various main highways districts were announced by the Minister of Finance (the Rt. Hon, W. Nash) to-night. Mr Nash said there was muen work to be done on the country’s highways so that they might be improved and preserved and so that, with the maximum of road safety, they could play their part efficiently in communications. “The war caused a serious interruption in the programme of highways improvements which the rapid devel-, opment of more transport made necessary,” he said. “In the meantime, and in spite of petrol rationing, there > has been intensification of the load * our main highways have to carry.

“The works which are now most urgently required are the provision, of sealed surfaces so that dust-free roads are developed from towns and small centres of population, reconstruction of outmoded and dangerous sections of highways, and the replacement of old and unsafe bridges. It is the intention of the Government to push forward with these works just as fast as labour, equipment and funds will permit. The funds will come out of the present 3 per cent tap loan that the Government has on issue.” Work in Canterbury Detailing work in Canterbury, Mr Nash said that on the Picton -Christchurch highway reconstruction and sealing were being carried out on several sections at Motunau and north and south of Kaikoura. Similar work was being done at Red Post, toward both Rotherham and Lewis Pass.. Land would be acquired for the provision of an improved northern outlet for Christchurch. On the highways from Christchurch to Akaroa and to Selwyn huts, and from Timaru to Cromwell improvements and sealing were in progress. Urgently necessary bridge replacements were being undertaken in the construction of the Deep Creek, Gorge Creek, and Boyle River bridges, on the Waipara - Reefton highway over the Lewis Pass, the Iron Gate and Waihao bridges, oir the Picton - "Christchurch - Dunedin highway, and the Skipton bridge, on the Geraldine-Fairlie highway.