NORTHLAND TUNNEL

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 34, 3 November 1928, Page 8

NORTHLAND TUNNEL

OPEN FOR TRAFFIC NEXT WEEK As the Kelburn viaduct is at present closed, steps are being taken to make the Northland tunnel available for ordinary traffic. This could not be done without certain work being attended to, as the tramway rails stand up from the concrete floor. This will be obviated by paving the tunnel with hotmix from channel to channel. Double tracks at present run through the tunnel, with a 2}ft. footpath on each side, so that, when the paving is finished—a start is to be made this morningvery fine access will be provided between eastern and western Northland. It will also provide a good through road for the motor buses, which now have to use the top road (over the Karori tunnel) to work Northland. The completion of the big retaining wall opposite the eastern portal of the tunnel, has effected an enormous improvement to the main Northland Road. It will enable the tram-tracks to make a straight run through the, tunnel to the shopping area of Northland. The new wall and filling almost doubles the width of the road at that point, and altogether eliminates the somewhat dangerous curve just above the tunnel. At present it is not anticipated that any further tramway work will be done at Northland until next year, as it is necessary for the new fillings to become thoroughly weathered and consolidated before tramway tracks are laid along the approaches to the tunnel. The completion of the tunnel and the wail means a big clean-up as far as Northland is concerned.