ROADS TO WEST COAST

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28540, 20 March 1958, Page 10

ROADS TO WEST COAST

Vulnerability Of Otira Gorge

The gorge section of the Arthur’s Pass-Otira highway was very difficult, and would always be vulnerable to damage from floods, the National Roads Board informed the council of the Canterbury Progress League last evening. The board’s intention was to restore the highway as soon as possible. Mr D. W. Gray said an alternative highway, although it might be costly, should be urged. Mr E. F. Ward said the Lewis Pass route was made as an alternative to the Arthur’s Pass-Otira road. No other road in the country gave more magnificent scenic views than the Arthur’s PassOtira highway, which should be considered as a tourist road rather than an all-weather road. Candy’s Bend was constantly giving trouble, and suggestions had been made that the highway should be constructed on the other side of the gorge as a long-term project. K It was impossible to make the road an all-weather one, but noone could get the idea out of the heads of West Coasters, said Mr J. Manson. The road would always be a “bugbear.”

The council decided to ask the roads committee to report on the long-term view of the highway.