WEST COAST LINE

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28473, 31 December 1957, Page 8

WEST COAST LINE

Repairs To Take Three Weeks

(From Our Own Reporter) . WELLINGTON, Dec. 30. The railway line between Otira and Arthur’s Pass is not likely to be reopened for three weeks, said the General Manager of Railways (Mr A. T. Gandell) today. He said it was too early yet to give a near estimate of when the line would be reopened.

An inspecting engineer, Mr WK. M. O’Hara, had reported a 12-chain gap in the railway embankment about half a mile outside the western portal of the Otira tunnel which would involve 30,000 yards of filling. Collapsed overhead wiring had also to be re-erected.

“This is a big job,” said Mr Gandell, “but I know railwaymen and all associated with the work will do their best. .However, safety in working and the general weather conditions in the area will really dictate just how quickly the work can be done. At present, it is possible to work only during daylight hours.’* Mr Gandell said progress would be reviewed at the end of this week and the public would be kept fully informed of when the line would be reopened and of the existing temporary transport arrangements over the Lewis Pass route.