AGREEMENT REACHED

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 130, 3 June 1936, Page 10

AGREEMENT REACHED

MINISTER'S STATEMENT TWO-WAY TRAFFIC

In a statement today, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, Minister of Railways, said:—

"I am very pleased to be able to announce that finality has been reached in the negotiations between the Government Departments and local bodies concerned to provide the necessary finance for the road overbridge desired between the new Wellington waterfront road and the Hutt Road in connection with the Tawa Flat railway deviation. The work, which is to be done by contract, will be taken in hand as soon as possible.

"That an amicable conclusion should have now been reached after several years of controversy is a matter for satisfaction to all concerned.

"The total estimated cost of the overbridge," continued Mr. Sullivan, "including the value of the land required, is £34,000, and payment has been arranged in the following proportions:— GOVERNMENT'S CONTRIBUTIONS. £ Railway Department (including the value of land to be given up at £5200) ... 12,000 Unemployment funds 10,000 The Public Works Department 1,000 £23,000 OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS. £ Wellington City Council and other local bodies concerned 11,000 £34,000 "The overbridge to be erected provides for two-way traffic, and it is expected that the plans for this will be finalised in the next few weeks. "I think that the Government's contribution towards the cost of the overbridge is a generous one in view of the fact that so far as the Railway Department is concerned the bridge was not an essential part of its programme, as the usual practicc of level-crossing construction with protection by crossing-keepers could have been adopted.

"The elimination of level crossings in areas where traffic is at all dense is, however, in line with modern thought and practice, and is, of course, very desirable in the public interest.

"In these circumstances it was felt that a substantial contribution by the Government towards the bridge was justified, provided the local bodies did their share. The result is, I think, one which should be satisfactory to all the parties concerned, and it removes from further controversy a

problem which has certainly taken a very long time to solve.

"Under the arrangement made, the Davis Street level crossing for vehicular traffic is to be closed, but a footbridge will be erected by the Railway Department at this crossing giving pedestrian access from Thorndon Quay to Waterloo Quay."