S.I. MAIN TRUNK
SHORT TUNNEL ON MOVE
WELLINGTON, October 19. Observations which have been made at what is known as “Three R” tunnel, a short tunnel just south of Oaro, the present terminus of the South Island Main Trunk Line, indicate that the tunnel is moving bodily with the country towards the sea, the Minister of Works (Mr. Semple) stated to-day. Intense pressure is being developed as a result of this movement and an obvious distortion of the tunnel is taking place. The country through which the tunnel is constructed, and the country in the vicinity, is very unstable, and has been giving the Department concern for some time. Mr. Semple said it had been decided to stop traffic on this section of the line in the interests of public safety, and buses would be used between Kaikoura and Elundalee until a thorough investigation was 1 made. A geologist was examining the country and the railway inspecting engineer was on the spot. Mr. Semple said he intended to make a personal inspection as soon as possible. The position could not be attributed to bad construction because heavy reinforced concrete had been used because of the adverse nature of the country. It was a case of bodily movement of the hillside which no class of construction could have overcome.
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Greymouth Evening Star, 19 October 1944, Page 2
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218S.I. MAIN TRUNK Greymouth Evening Star, 19 October 1944, Page 2
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