MOVING BODILY

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 22, 20 October 1944, Page 4

MOVING BODILY

Tunnel On South Island Main Trunk COUNTRY SAID TO BE VERY UNSTABLE A statement that observations which had been made at what was known as the 3R Tunnel, a short tunnel just south of Oaro. the present southern terminus of tlie South Island Main Trunk, indicated that the tunnel was moving bodily with the country toward the sea, was made yesterday by the Minister of. Works, Mr. Semple. “Intense pressure, he said, “is being developed as a result Of this movement and obvious distortion of the tunnel is taking place. The country through which the tunnel is constructed aud the country in the vicinity is very unstable and has been giving the' department concern for some time. “A conference between officers of the Public Works and Railways Departments and myself was held- this morning, aud in the interests bf public safety it was decided to stop traffic on this section of the line and revert to the use of m> ses between Hundalee and Kaikoura till a thorough investigation of the position has been made. A geologist is examining the country and his report is expected almost immediately. In addition, the railway inspecting engineer is on the spot and I intend to make a personal inspection as soon as possible. “Owing to the adverse inature of the country, heavy reinforced concrete, sections varying in thickness from Ift. bin. to 2ft 6in. were used in this tunned so that the present situation cannot be attributed to bad construction. No class of ‘Construction can stand up to bouiiy movement of a hillside, which is what has occurred here.” The Minister also said a further statement would be made when it was definitely known what steps were necessary to safeguard the position adequately.