Ministers Disagree On Overbridge

Press, Volume C, Issue 29634, 3 October 1961, Page 14

Ministers Disagree On Overbridge

The Minister of Works (Mr Goosman), in a letter to the Paparua County Council discussed last night, said he could not give an assurance that an overbridge at Hornby would not be built. The Minister’s statement was received with strong comment by the council. The council feels that an overbridge would interfere with the commercial development plans of the Hornby County Town. The council was told earlier by the Minister of Railways (Mr McAlpine) that, from the Railways Department point of view, the bridge was not likely to be needed. The council last night decided to ask the two Ministers to meet “on the spot” for a discussion. “It is of vital importance to the commercial area of the Hornby county town that we should have a discussion on this subject,” said Cr. R. J. Roberts. The Minister’s letter said:

"Having regard to future traffic developments, I am unable to give the assurance sought by the council that no overbridge will be proceeded with in the forseeable future.” Mr Goosman said traffic south of the Sockburn overbridge was likely to be 9000 to 10,000 a day in 1966, rising to 16.000 to 17,000 in 1971. It was intended to widen the highway to four lanes, but nothing positive regarding a motorway bypass could be expected in tills period. "Even eight to 10 rail shunting movements a day will have considerable effect on the future heavy volume of road traffic and within 10 years public demand for an overbridge can be anticipated,” he said, “It would be imprudent to neglect the opportunity now of leaving room for its construction.” Mr Goosman said tile Increasing accident potential at the Carmen road intersection should be considered also. “We are back where we started,” said the chairman (Mr J. H. Weaver). Mr Weaver said the most Mr Goosman could do was prophesy that the bridge “might be needed.” “The value ot a prophecy like that is not very great,” Mr Weaver said. “It is no more than a guess.”