RAILWAY WORKS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 101, 23 January 1939, Page 8

RAILWAY WORKS

Activity On Picton

Section

By Telegraph-—-Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, January 22,

A statement that the Picton section would be the scene of exceptional activity this year was made by the Minister of Railways, Mr. Sullivan, today. ‘‘After a long period of unavoidable delay,” he said, “work has begun on the construction of a 960 ft. steel and concrete railway bridge over the Wairau River. The contractors now have about 40 men employed on the bridge foundations. Another undertaking of importance to the district is the t'cnewal (for the first time) of the fender piles of the Picton wharf, which was constructed about twenty-six years ago.” The Minister said that as soon as workmen could be released from seasonal occupations other railway works would be pushed along with renewed vigour. “Grade easements and- a reduction of sharp curves on the I’JctonBleuheim line,” he said, "will keep a large number of men busy for some time. Bridge renewals, construction of crossing loops, alterations to Station yards, the relaying of the track with 701 b. rails and the ballasting of the line will entail much time, labour and material. “Altogether the works mentioned, considered in conjunction with the new line now under construction between Wharanui and Parnassus, will contribute materially to 1 lie progress and prosperity of the Marlborough province as'well as of North Canterbury.