Main Line Washed Out Near Clinton

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31360, 4 May 1967, Page 14

Main Line Washed Out Near Clinton

14

(New Zealand Press Association)

DUNEDIN, May 3.

The main trunk railway line between Invercargill and Dunedin was washed out after heavy rain today, and several main roads were covered in water.

There was little other damage. The storm came after two days of rain in Otago and Southland.

The main trunk railway was washed out two miles north of Clinton, and roads and farmland in low-lying areas were under water as

streams overflowed their banks in the Waiwera, Clinton, and Waipahi districts. Nearly three inches of rain have been recorded in Clinton in the last few days, including 1.15 inches between 8.45 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. today. It was still raining tonight The Kuriwao stream became a torrent and the bridge

under the railway north of Clinton could not handle the volume of water. The stream poured over the line, scouring part of the embankment to a depth of about 18 inches. The line and sleepers were left sagging across two gaps, each about 20 yards long. Water was still pouring under the line at nightfall. Repairs will not be possible until the level drops. The Invercargill - Dunedin rail-car could not leave Clinton about 3. 15 p.m., and passengers and freight were transhipped by bus and by railway truck.