Rail deviation proposal

Press, 31 May 1985, Page 5

Rail deviation proposal

Hamilton and Palmerston North had been able to remove railway lines from the heart of those cities and Christchurch might be able to do the same, Cr Helen Garrett told the City Council’s town planning committee yesterday. Councillors were told that local bodies and the Canterbury United Council would be able to contribute to discussion on the New Zealand Railways proposal to drop its long standing StyxSockburn railway deviation. The Railways Corporation would participate with the United Council in a study to

assess the impact of not proceeding with the deviation. Cr Garrett said she had the impression that the Railways Corporation was “just going through the motions” in seeking public involvement. “I hope the Railways will take the matter seriously,” she said. The deviation plan had existed since the late 19205. Cr Garrett said the idea of having cycleways along a disused railway line was “very attractive.” The Christchurch Airport director, Mr Hugh McCar-

roll, said it would be preferable on balance to have the deviation route across airport land abandoned, with the easement reclassied for airport use. The deviation restricted development of airport land as long as the easement existed. Mr McCarroll said that the cargo capacity of a 747 yet aircraft and a single rail freight car were about the same. He doubted whether a rail freight service to the airport would be used by any freight company.