TRAFFIC DELAYS ANTICIPATED

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22183, 28 August 1937, Page 14

TRAFFIC DELAYS ANTICIPATED

Rakaia Bridge On Day Of Second Test MANY SPECIAL TRAINS TO CHRISTCHURCH A serious delay to motor traffic on the Main South road at the Rakaia bridge is anticipated by railway officials on Saturday, September 4, the day of the second test between South Africa and New Zealand. This will be caused by the extraordinary. number of trains bearing football excursionists to Christchurch from southern points. The department advises that the prospects of motorists desirous of passing over the bridge between 6 a.m. and 7.5 a.m. and between 8 a.m. and 10.15 a.m. on that day are very poor, because during those hours at least 12 trains are scheduled to cross the Rakaia. Motorists from the inland districts south of the Rakaia might find it expedient on September 4 to make a deviation on their run to Christchurch by way of the traffic bridge at Rakaia Gorge. The department does not anticipate that motorists will experience any serious delay at the bridge on their return journey, as there will be"fairly long intervals between trains in the evening, except between 6.10 p.m. and 7 p.m., when the bridge will be in continuous use by railway traffic. City Crossings Affected Traffic delays at level crossings in the city, particularly at Colombo street, are bound, too, to be aggravated on the morning of the second test. Railway officials state that on that day a record number of trains, estimated at 140, will be handled at the Christchurch station. These will include no fewer than 28 football trains, carrying'a total of about 8000 football enthusiasts. Exceptionally heavy bookings are reported for all special trains. The four trains arranged to run from West Coast districts to Christchurch have been so fully booked that it has been found necessary to provide for a fifth train. The seating capacity of 1900 provided by the four special trains from Dunedin has all been taken up, and it is very doubtful at the moment if the department will be able to provide sufficient heated cars to make up a fifth train. This has naturally diverted traffic to the ordinary In-vercargill-Lyttelton wharf train on Friday, September 3, and the department has arranged to duplicate this train by the provision of a special train leaving Dunedin at 12.5 p.m. on the Friday and arriving at Christchurch at 7.49 p.m. The two special trains arranged from Invercargill are also being rapidly booked out. No doubt the department's rolling stock will be severely taxed on the day of the test match. The position, however, is apparently being recognised by the public intending to travel on these special trains by booking and reserving their seats well in advance.