Better System For Intersection Urged

Press, Volume C, Issue 29557, 5 July 1961, Page 14

Better System For Intersection Urged

Our Farttamantarv Reporter)

WELLINGTON. July *■ A decision by the National Roads Board refusing the request of the Christchurch City Council for grade separation at the Colombo street-Moorhouse avenue intersection was questioned by Mr R. M. Macfarlane <Opposition, Christchurch Central) during the Address-in-Reply debate in the House of Representatives this afternoon. Mr Macfarlane quoted a newspaper report which said the Nwional Roads Board believed that chanof the intersection would Improve conditions, but that expenditure on an underpass could not be justifled. The report suggested that if channelling proved unsuccessful, an application from the council for a subsidy for the provision of traffic lights would be considered Population Growth "From the latest statistics we know Christchurch and Auckland have shown a tremendous increase in population." said Mr Macfartane “A large increase was expected in Auckland, but the Christchurch metropolitan area now has a population of approximately 220.000.

“We consider that with this growth in population, and our contribution in taxation from the increasing number of motorists, we are entitled to some financial consideration. When the bridge was first erected, the City Council realised there would be a traffic problem, and for that reason plans were drawn up for a flyover to be erected in Moorhouse avenue to obviate the situation that exists on the corner. “I understand members of the National Roads Board recently made an inspection of the area. At peak times it is always necessary to have a traffic officer on duty because of the conditions that exist in Colombo street and Moorhouse avenue, and also further down on the corner of Manchester street and Moorhouse avenue, and further down still on the corner of Barbadoes street and Moorhouse avenue. "We are asking for some, consideration in this matter.! Whether lights would be a satisfactory solution 1 do not! know, but it is not much j good waiting to examine the; position in the future be- i cause the problem exists I now. I would like the Minister of Works, who is chair-j man of the National Roads,

; Board, constantly to bear in mind this problem.” ! Mr Macfarlane said that I the Chris*chureh City Council would be taking the matter further. It was a vital problem, and he hoped further consideration could be £ lve J? J? the National -Roads Board.