Rise in sealing costs may be diverted

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33445, 29 January 1974, Page 19

Rise in sealing costs may be diverted

Because of the expected rise in the price of bituminous products and motor-fuel the Paparua County Council may rearrange its roading work this year.

The chairman of the council’s Rural District Council (Cr A. Y. Shuker) told its meeting yesterday that it was hoped that those now doing sealing work for the council would be able to extend their contracts, and go straight on with re-sealing work that would normally be done at the end of the year. “If we can arrange this, we can save about 20 per cent, or $6OOO or $7000,” said Cr Shuker. “If contractors can carry straight on, it would avoid the expected escalation in costs.” The County Engineer (Mr J. D. Annan) and County Clerk (Mr A. Kelly) were asked to approach contractors. When the council considered draft proposals for 197475 reading work, Cr Shuker said that the council, with higher costs, was going to get less for its money. “We have got to get priori-1 ties right and do roads thatl really need sealing, where ■ the traffic warrants sealing.”! he said.

The draft proposals totalled $722,000. and it was obvious that a good deal of trimming would be needed, said Cr Shuker. Worsleys Road.—Because the grade on the lower part of Worsleys Road was 1:6.4, instead of the standard 1:8, the position would have to be covered by a special order, the Minister of Works ruled. Mr Annan said he was surprised, as there were many roads further to the east which were considerably steeper. Road signs.—The Ministry of Transport recommended reflecting signs and advisory speed limits for two bends in Barnes Road, where there was a fatal accident last October. Seal wanted.—Mr M. B. McGregor and 12 other Hoon Hay Valley Road residents i asked the council to seal the whole of the 50 chains of road prepared for sealing, instead of doing only 40 chains I this year. It was decided to ■do the extra length.