A.A. keeps, concrete road options open

Press, 30 May 1981, Page 7

A.A. keeps, concrete road options open

Concrete as a road pavement will continue to be investigated by the Automobile Association.

The South Canterbury branch, in a letter to the council of the New Zealand association meeting in Christchurch, said that because of the increasing costs of imported oil-based products the use of concrete roads should be supported. The president, Mr J. A. Connolly, said that the costs of putting down a concrete road were far in excess of ordinary pavement, but the extended life and lack of maintenance were special advantages that had to be considered.

Mr R. L. Whyte (Central) said that he had travelled for

many years on a concrete road used by heavy trucks, and the only repair work he had seen being done was on the asphalt extensions at the side.

The council agreed that many New Zealanders had a faulty idea of concrete roads in this country because they were built in the 1930 s on top of poor foundations, therefore causing a lot of undulations.

Concrete roads built in Germany in the 1930 s were still being used today, and had required little repair work over the years, the council was told.

Mr Connolly said that different types of pavements should always be investigated.

Motor Rallies

The association agreed that State highways could be closed for motor sports. A remit from Southland asked that State highways be closed for international rallies, as long as users were not inconvenienced unduly, and alternative routes could be found.

Mr R. E. N. Oakley (Otago) said there should be no. difference between a local rally and an international event.

' The council agreed that as long as sufficient notice was given and adequate safety provisions could be guaranteed, there was no reason why State highways could not be closed for motor events.