TRAMWAY TRAFFIC DIFFICULTIES

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 8, 4 October 1941, Page 10

TRAMWAY TRAFFIC DIFFICULTIES

Lines Cleared And Blocked Again BIG SLIP AT SEATOUN TUNNEL Wellington tramway traffic dislocated by road blockages had been restored on all routes by 5 p.m. yesterday, when it was reported by the tramways authorities that they were maintaining a regular service schedule and everything was back to normal. However, they qualified this with the statement that they feared the possibility of further blockages. Their anxiety was justified, as shortly before 10 p.m. Seatoun and Wadestown routes were again partially blocked, and the outlook was far from reassuring. Two more slips came down yester-day-—one in Chaytor Street, half-way between the cemetery and Karori tunnel and another on the city side of the 'tunnel. Another slip fell early yesterday in the centre of the Wadestown cutting. There were slips and flooding in Grant Road, the Watt Street cutting, and at the Barnard Street junction. Though the Wadestown route was temporarily reopened after arduous work, the centre of the cutting was regarded with suspicion, which subsequent events proved to be well founded, as later in the night a single line only was available. The Karori route remained open. The Seatoun tunnel was considered still to be dangerous because of the loose rock which was falling, and liable to smash tramcar windows. Consequently it was decided to take no risks, and after the first blockade was cleaned a single track was used. Trees growing CO feet above the entrance to the tunnel were wired back to prevent them from falling direct on to the transmission line and roadway. Several hours later, before 10 p.m., 20 tons of rock came down at the city end of the tunnel. This blocked the outside line and threatened the inside line. It was considered the prospects were that the trouble would become worse during the night and it was doubtful if cars would be able to negotiate the route early this morning. “This is the worst run of trouble we have ever known,” said the tramway authorities. The Birdwood Street bus route is likely to be out of use for some days, being completely blocked by a heavy and dangerous slip. Crawford Road was clear last night, but the situation was not regarded as being too stable. During the afternoon a tree which threatened the transmission lines and tram track was cut down.