MAIN HIGHWAYS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 206, 1 September 1938, Page 12

MAIN HIGHWAYS.

IMPROVING ROADS.

MODERN REQUIREMENTS. LARGE VOLUME OF TRAFFIC. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, thie day. "To-day there is more highway traffic than ever before, and it is therefore necessary that steps be taken to expedite the reconstruction of roads built many years ago for slower-moving traffic, in order to make them fit for the modern fast-moving motor vehicle," says the statement in dealing with highways. The provision of good roads applied both to settlement roads required for backblock access and to main highways which carried the bulk of rural traffic. "It must be remembered that changes are continually taking place in the design and capacity of motor vehicles, particularly in regard to speed, and, though I do not for a moment suggest that roads shonld be built to suit maximum epeeds of modern vehicles, it is imperative that low-standard roads of inadequate width and dangerous curvature should be made fit and «safe for the traffic which uses them. Although a great deal of progress, has been made towards improving a substantial portion of the highways system, it is not yet entirely reconditioned for motor traffic," eaid the Minister. .

The Minister stated that some sections in closely settled areas Mere reconstructed several years ago, but that to-day these were carrying such large volumes of traffic that further improvements were required to bring them up to a reasonable standard. Mr. Semple added that most of the criticism of highways work wm voiced during the period when earthwork was in full ewing, and before the full effect of the proposals was apparent to the inexperienced observer. Revenue Increase. "The report of the activities of the Main Highways Board for the past financial year indicates that the total receipts from revenue sources amounted to over £2,000,000, as compared with £2,380,000 for the preceding period. This is the largest sum that has so far been credited to the Main Highways account by way of revenue from special motor taxation," adds the statement. "The total expenditure from the same account for the year ended March 31, 1938, in respect of actual works, as distinct from the loan and special charges, amounted to £3,392,000, which exceeds the previous year's figure by almost £1,000,000, More than £2,000,000 was spent last year on reconstruction and improvement works, inclusive of level railway crossing eliminations, over £1,000,000 on maintenance, and nearly £140,000 on the renewal of bridges. In addition to the foregoing, interest and loan charges accounted for £338,494, while general rate subsidies paid to local authorities and charged to the account totalled £206,000. The reconstruction programme carried 'out last year involved the borrowing of £1,676,800 for main highways purposes." "A notable feature of the past year's operations was the improved standard of general maintenance throughout the State highways system as the result of utilising up to .date plant and equipment- under one organisation," said the Minister. The superelevation of curves, the painting of. bridges, the erection of white direction posts, and of protective fencing, combined with centreline marking on pavements, had also contributed largely towards safer conditions, notwithstanding the greater density of traffic on these important connecting routes. ■«