ROAD AND RAIL CONDITIONS

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28471, 28 December 1957, Page 8

ROAD AND RAIL CONDITIONS

Latest Detailed

Reports

Latest reports of road and rail conditions from the Railways Department, Automobile Association, and Ministry of Works late last evening indicated that the worst stage of the flooding in Canterbury and Westland had passed. Some roads were still impassable and others should be open by this morning. Westland.— The Goat creek bridge near Otira has been buried by rocks and debris, and it is impossible to see the bridge at all. The Otira river bridge has been left high and dry by a change in the course of the river which has breached the railway line. A blockage on the road about one and a-half miles north of the glaciers has cut off South Westland. Buller. Murchison, and the rest of Westland are clear. Lewis Pass.— The road is clear and is open to all traffic. A blockage of the road at Inangahua Junction has been cleared, and traffic from Canterbury can pass to Reefton, Westport, and Greymouth.

Mid-Canterbury.— There is about five inches of water on the road at Rangitata, which should clear this morning. The road is open and is passable with care. Arthur’s Pass. — The road is impassable and is blocked by several slips and wash-outs between Springfield and Arthur’s Pass. Many motorists are stranded at Bealey and at intermediate points. North Canterbury.— Flooding al Belfast has closed the Main North road and it is impossible to reach the south approaches of the Wai-, makariri river road bridge. Access by road northwards is only by the Waimakariri Gorge bridge route. All other roads in North Canterbury are open. It is extremely doubtful whether the Main North road will be clear for traffic today, although the level of water at Chaneys corner had fallen by a foot by 8 o’clock last evening. Main North Line.— The track is completely clear and open to all traffic. Bus passengers from North Canterbury are being brought to Christchurch from Kaiapoi by train and rail-car. Midland Line.— Repairs will be necessary to the Waimakariri river bridge near Cass and the line is broken at Otira, Aickens. and Jacksons.

Main South Line.— Scouring of the line near Rangitata will be filled by a ballast train this morning, and it is expected that trains will pass over this section later today Until this is done., passengers will be transhipped at Ashburton and taken to Morven by bus.