FOOTPATH SINKS SIX FEET.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 109, 11 May 1933, Page 14

FOOTPATH SINKS SIX FEET.

RAIN DAMAGE AT DEVONPORT

Weighted down by the recent heavy rains, four chains of footpath in Lake Road, Devonport, on the western side of the incline below Ngataringa Road, subsided on Tuesday night, and portions of it are now between sft and Oft below the level of the concrete highway. At the top of the affected length, two fissures are separated by a few feet. Toward the ccntre, the path has divorced itself from the clay formation of the roadside and has sunk about Oft, as though in response to the pressure of a giant roller. Crack 3of varying sizes appear in other parts of the subsidence, which has bulged out the head of the embankment which abuts on the mangroves in Ngataringa Bay. The concrete carpet which provides the main traffic route between Devonport and Takapuna was not affected. Although the slip is reported to be still "creeping," the roadway is not regarded as being endangered. About 200 yards of spoil will bo required to restore the pathway to its former level, but before this work is undertaken, a similar quantity of ballast will be deposited at the base of the embankment. As filling-in material is available in Ngataringa Road, the widening of this 6treet will proceed concurrently with the restoration and reinforcement of the Lake Road footpath. In its present condition the affected section is a danger to pedestrians, and it has been roped off and is lighted at night.

Repairing operations are now proceeding.