SUPPORT FOR WIDENING OF LYTTELTON STREETS

Press, Volume CI, Issue 30004, 13 December 1962, Page 20

SUPPORT FOR WIDENING OF LYTTELTON STREETS

Support for the widening of Norwich and Gladstone quays, Lyttelton, to cope with traffic from the road tunnel and the harbour extensions was given by the Christchurch - Lyttelton Tunnel Road Co-ordination Committee at a meeting in Lyttelton yesterday. The committee comprised Messis G. Shrimpton (Railways Department), J. B. Collett and W. Dodds (Lyttelton Borough Council), F. W. Freeman (Lyttelton Harbour Board), J. C. Hollis (Heathcote County Council), W. P. Glue and L. H. Wilson (Christchurch-Lyttelton Road Tunnel Authority), and E. Semens (Christchurch City Council). Mr Collett was chairman, and the Lyttelton Borough Council's consulting engineer (Mr H. G. Royds) was also present. It had been found that the maximum possible widening of Norwich quay was 82ft, and this bed been approved by the Lyttelton Borough Council, said Mr Royds. This would provide for four 12ft traffic lams, two Bft parking lanes, one 10ft footpath, and one Bft footpath. Estimates had been prepared for the work that could be done in the coming financial year, and it was obvious there would be long delays while there were negotiations with the Railways Department and lessees. AU that would be possible would be the first seven chains, estimated to cost £13,800, including some bridging. Mr Collett said it was important that the work be done. It was hoped to start soon on that section of the road from the tunnel portal to the casualty ward building in Norwich quay. Gladstone Quay

Mr Royds said that Gladstone quay was very narrow, at 38ft, The proposal was to acquire land to make a 66ft roadway, and for a start to construct a 50ft roadway. The cost, including the acquisition of land, was estimated at about £23,700.

Mr Sihrimpton said he could not say whether the Rail-

ways Department would allow the use of two small pieces of land in Gladstone quay. He thought it would, but the area might be critical for a new railway lay-out. The gasworks in Gladstone quay would cause a bottleneck, Mr Royds said. Mr Dodds remarked that it was realised the gasworks would eventually have to go. Several members said they feUt Gladstone quay should be a four-lane road. Mr WHson sand there was a danger with three lane roads, where the middle lane became an overtaking lane and a no-man’s land.

After some discussion members of the committee visited Gladstone quay and Norwich quay. Trucks carrying wool and double-parked vehicles emphasised the narrowness of the roadway. Mr Freeman moved that the committee support the Lvttelton Borough Council in its move for a chain-wide road reserve for Gladstone quay and the immediate construction of a four-lane rood. The motion was passed. Mr Royds said the widening of Norwich quay would be on the seaward side. 16ft extra being taken The extra width would be provided by a type of half bridge running alongside the present road. Mr Dodds raid it was important to ensure that no new buildings were put on the seaward side of Norwich quay. “If one new building goes up we are shot for 100 years," he said.

The committee passed a motion by Mr Somers that it support the widening of Norwich quay to 82ft as soon as possible, having in view at ail times the ultimate widening to 100 ft and that Mr Royds confer with Mr Shrimpton with a view to expediting this.