MAIN HIGHWAYS.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18682, 4 May 1926, Page 5

MAIN HIGHWAYS.

WORK OF THE BOARD. PLANS FOR TRAFFIC CENSUS. At the meeting of the Main Highways Board towards the end of last month, several matters of general interest were dealt with. The Board considered a suggestion to take a traffic census on given dates at a number of strategic points on tho highway system of the Dominion. Such information is of inestimable value in studying the nature and development ot the traffic of the country and in making economic investigations ot schemes for highway improvement. Level Crossings. In connexion with tho proposed elimination of two railway crossings at Matahiwi Hill, on the WellingtonNapier via Wnirarapa main highway near YVoodville, notification was received from the secretary that the Railway Board is prepared to find £2OOO towards *aC cost of tho work, which is estimated at approximately £4BOO. The Main Highways Board dow intends to approach the YVoodville County for a contribution, and it is hoped shortly to get tho work under way. One of the crossings which will be eliminated by the scheme is generally recognised as the most dangerous in the Hawke's Uav district.

Canterbury Roads. i The monthly report on works in hand contained the following references to main highways in Canterbury.— Ghristehm-eh-Blcnhcim, via Parnassus—Clarence river bridge: The ©pprouches to this bridge arc practically completed, and good progress lias been made with the construction of gabions and protectivo works. Hapuku river bridge: Work on the formation of the approaches to this bridge i.-s progressing satisfactorily. Harriett's bridge: The re-erection of this bridge has been completed. Bridge at Boundary dully: This work will shortly be put in hand. Waiparu-Kaikoura, via Culverdcn Protective work» at llurunui river overflow-: Work has been continued during tie month, 186 cubic yards of gabion nets having been placed in the groynes. Charwell river bridge: A quantity of timber has arrived for this bridge. Dry creek bridge: Tho contractor lias made a commencement with the construction of this bridge. School creek bridge: The erection of this bridge has been completed, and a start has been made with the formation of the approaches. Whalesback Section : The metalling of this section has been continued, 260 cubic yards of shingle having been carted out during the month. Road deviation, Peaches Cutting: This work is progressing slowly, 400 cubic yards of papa rock having been excavated, during the period. Christchurch-Dunedin Main Highway —Hinds to Tinwald: The metalling on this section is almost completed. Old ferry bridge near Glenavy: The approach banks have been completed, and the bridge is now open for traffic. Waitati Section: Bituminous surfacing on this section has been commenced, and good progress is being made. Ilakaia Gorge bridge to Arundel: The formation of this road is proceeding. RakaiaMethven: The metalling of a portion of this highway is in,hand.