DISTRICT HIGHWAYS

Grey River Argus, 12 June 1935, Page 8

DISTRICT HIGHWAYS

NO. 12 COUNCIL

Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the No. 12 District Highways Council was held in (he Greymouth County Chambers yesterday afternoon, the District Public Works Engineer (Mr. iR. Trevor Smith), as Chairman, presiding over an attendance of the following repre sentatives: —Messrs J. Higgins (Grey County Council). J. 11. Powell (Buller County Council). W. Clayton (Inajigahua County Council), W. F. Ashley (Wes'tlaud Coun.i y and R. Simmers (Secretary).

The Chairman in welcoming the repiesentatives congratulated them ou being appointed to the Council, by their various County Councils. In particular he wished to congratulate Mr. Higgins lx ng back in his chair after his ac cident, and he was sure that all membeit» were pleased to sec him back. It was with some regret that he noticed that Mr. I). J. Evans (Westland County Council) was absent. Mr. Evans had been a good worker in highways matters, and later in the meeting he would move that suitable appreciation of his services be recorded.

CHAIRMAN’S ANNUAL REPORT The Chairman submitted the following annual report: — The past year has been one of increased activity on highway works and i» start has been made with many urgent works which of necessity had been held in abeyance during the previous three years of the depression. An extensive bridge programme has been put in hand, reinforced concrete being used wherever possible in preference to less permanent materials. In most cases bridges have been built of sufficient width to provide room for two-way traffic. Progress with bridge construction has not been as good as had been expected as practically all the work has been let’by public tender and contractors have had to build up a suitable organisation for a type of construction for which few in this district were equipped. It is hoped, however, that better progress will be made in the future as contractors have now had time to complete their organisation. Where contracts for the construction of bridges on highways are let by public tender the Unemployment Board has agreed to make a. contribution equal to one-third of the labour cost. Full advantage has been taken of this arrangement. During the year 9 miles 50 chains of highway has been sealed and it is anticipated that about 12 miles more will be completed during the coming season. In this connection my observation has led me to the conclusion that with the pit run gravels cheaply obtainable in this district, it is almost impossible to keep the heavily trafficked highways up to a good -surface in both wet and dry spells and it is therefore my ambition to, as soon as possible, seal the lengths bearing the greatest volume of traffic. It is pleasing to note that the Board has vailed tenders for a bridge over the Waimakariri River and that one of the most serious obstacles on the main route between Canterbury and the West Coast sould soon be removed. The bridge, which will be 880 feet in length, will have concrete piles, piers, beams and deck and a timber handrail system. The deck will be 10ft. wide generally with an 18 feet wide passing place in the middle. Flood Damage.—During February and March heavy folods caused serious damage to highways and bridges in this district. Apart from damage to road surfaces and culverts, the more important works which suffered were:—■ Nelson-Inangahua. Junction Main Highway: A serious washout occurred near Four Mile Creek where the road completely slipped away blocking traffic for several days. Inangahua Jn.Weheka Main Highway: At Stafford extensive damage was caused to the road through the Waimea Creek breaking through its banks and flowing down the highway. Three spans of the Hokitika River Bridge at Kanieri, were washed away. Arrangements have been made to bridge the gap with a. light temporary structure, but owing to the condition of the existing bridge it is essential that a new one should be provided in the near future. Design of this structure is in hand.

Arthur’s Pass-Kumara Main Highway: In the vicinity of Turiwhate extensive slips covered the road for many chains and a small bridge over Rough Creek was destroyed, traffic being blocked for a week. Lake Kanieri Highway; Strip and Creek Bridge was completely washed away and two spans of Kanieri River Bridge were destroyed, but temporary replacement has been effected. Reefton-Maruia Main Highway: Part of the bridge over the Right Hand Branch of the Inangahua River was washed away and traffic is now carried by a temporary low level bridge. Westport-Karamea Main Highway: Many culverts and a short bridge over Lamplough’s Creek were completely buried by shingle and rock fans from steep valleys close to the road. Traffic was restored as quickly as possible in all cases, but a great amount of work is still necessary before the damaged sections are restorin’ to normal. The Board’s magnetic truck was operated for two weeks in June last year on highways in the West port, Inangahua, Reefton and Greymouth areas, sweeping 130 miles of road and collecting over 200 lbs. of iron and steel scrap: As a result an economic loss to motorists in the way of the prevention of damage to tyres must have been prevented. A traffic census over a period of seven days was taken at numerous points on the highways in this district in July and again in January last. As far as possible the location of tally points was fixed so as to give the average density of traffic, on the various highways rather than the maximum over short sections. The full results cannot he given in this report but the following figures obtained as a result of the January census may be of interest as an indication of the motor traffic borne by the more densely trafficked sections— Highway: Inangahua Jn.—■ Weheka; Tally point: West of Kanieri; Average No. of Motor Vehicles daily 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., 282; Inangahua Jn. —Weheka; Old Power House, Dobson, 229: Westport—Karamea; South of Granily: 163; Westport—Greymouth (Coast Road); North of Rapahoe; 159. The gross expenditure from the Board’s funds for the last three years, in connection with works carried out on highways in this district, was as under:—

From Construction Fund, 1932-33, £396: 1933-34, £6,850; 1934-35, £12,105. From Revenue Fund: 193233, £52,693; 1933-34, £58,396; 193435 £69,951, totals, 1932-33; £53,089; 1933-34: £65,246; 1934-35: £82,096.

For 1934-35 the expenditure on the various classes of work was as follows:

General maintenance ( including flood damage repairs) 50,024 Bridges 13,440 Road improvements and deviations 2,831 Road improvements (Special Relief Works) 4,054 Sealing 9,712 Other Works 1,995 Total: £82,056 Final figures are not yet available with regard to this year’s allocation of funds but the under-mentioned amounts have been fixed provisionally bv the Board for this district: £ Construction Fund 33,000 Revenue Fund 77,000 Total: £llO,OOO Although this is an improvement on previous years it is still insufficient to cover more than the most urgent Works especially as commitments in respect of bridging and restoration of flood damage in hand at the 31st March were higher than usual. Review of Main Highways.—At the end of the year 1934-35 the total length of declared main highways in this district was 532 miles 1 chain an increase of 9 miles 73 chains for the year. New highways declared were— Mokihinui Bridge—Seddonville, I mile 60 chains; Ngahere—Haupiri Junction, 13 miles 32 chains; Kumara —Haupiri Junction, 13 miles 48 chains; Folks—Okarito 5 miles. The Ahaura —Haupiri Main Highway 23 miles 38 chains in length was revoked. Adjustments were made in the route of Inangahua Junction—Weheka Main Highway at Reefton and at Matainui.

Consequent ou the loss of portion of the Hokitika River bridge at Kanieri during the February flood the Board has agreed to maintain the Arthurstown Road as a detour. This year applications have been received from Local Authorities for the declaration of 73 miles 66 chains of additional highways. The opportunity is taken to thank ajl local body officers for their valuable co-operation in complying with the Board’s wishes, .for provision of information, and for the efficient prosecution of all highway works. I wish also to congratulate the Automobile Association on the improved signposting which has been carried out during the year. This report could not be complete without special mention of the excellent service rendered by D. J. Evans who, as representative of the Westland. County Council, has been a member of this Highway Council from its inception in 1923 to May of this year. The following statement shows the more in. - port ant works carried out during tha past year: —

Nelson-Inaugahua Junction Main Highway: Lyell Creek Bridge: A new bridge, 120 feet in length, has been constructed on an improved alignment. The new approaches, 26 chains in length, have also been completed. Little Flaxbush Creek Bridge: A new bridge, 20 feet in length, has been completed. Provision has been made for two-way traffic. Flaxbush Creek Bridge; A new R.S.J. bridge, 70 feet in length, has been completed. Jackson’s Creek Bridge: This bridge has been replaced by a large concrete culvert.

Tmangahua J unction-Weheka Main Highway-. Landing Creek Bridge.—A start has been made with the construction of a reinforced concrete bridge 105 ft in length, 20ft roadway. Larry’s Creek Deviation. —Work is in hand on a deviation, 36 chains in length, to eliminate two railway crossings. The improvements involve the construction of a 40ft spaM reinforced concrete bridge over York C’reek with provision for two-day traffic. Reefton Town-ship.—Twenty-two chains of highway in Reefton township has been prepar ed for sealing. Devil’s Creek Bridge. —Work is in hand on the construction of a new reinforced concrete bridge 40ft in length and 20ft wide. Muwheraiti River Diversion.—A new channel for the river has been cut to obviate flooding of 'the highway. Brunner Borough.—A four mile length in the borough has been prepared for sealing, the intention being to undertake the sealing during the coming summer. Boyd’s Creek Bridge.—This bridge in the Brunner borough has been widened to take two-way traffic. Grcymouth-Omoto.—lmprovements in alignment and grade have been put in hand in the vicinity of the old brewery. A contribution from (he Unemployment Board is being received on condition that unemployed men from Brunner are engaged. Greymou-th-Dnroa.—The three mile section from Greymouth to Paroa has been sealed. Kaihinu-Kaniefi.—A length of 6? miles in the Westland County and Hokitika borough, between the railway crossing at Kaihinu and Hokitika River bridge at Kanieri has been sealed. Three Mile Creek Bridge.—A large reinforced concrete culvert has been constructed to replace this bridge. Dusko Crook Bridge.—This? bridge has been replaced by a largo reinforced concrete culvert. Gow’s Creek Bridge.—The road is being deviated at this bridge Io eliminate a dangerous corner, and a large reinforced concrete culvert is being constructed to carry the creek. Urqu-

hart ’s ('reek Bridge.—Work is in hand, on a deviation to eliminate a dangerous corner and on the construction of a large reinforced concrete culvert to replace the old bridge. Friend’s) Creek Bridges.—The highway is being raised above flood level over a length of 61 chains and three 28ft spans by 20ft

wide reinforced concrete bridges are being constructed to replace the old

ones. Tlendcs Face.—Concrete retaining walls have been constructed to provide greater road width on this narrow and dangerous length of high-

InangyJhua Junetion-Westport Main Highway: Gold Point Creek Bridge.— Alignment and grade of the road has been improved over a length of 5 chains and a large culvert constructed to replace the old bridge. Fern Arch.— Retaining walls have been constructed to eliminate two old bridges which

spanned narrow guts. Five Mile C’reek Bridge.—The work here involves the construction of a. large concrete culvert to replace an old bridge. WesJtp.ort Borough.—The unsealed 22 chain length of tlhis highway within the borough has been prepared for seal ing.

Westport-Karamea Main Highway: 11 Mile to 3 Mile.—A narrow section near the cemetery has been widened. Glasseye Creek Bridge.—The alignment of the road has been improved over a length of 12 chains and a 60ft long timber bridge has been constructed. Tidal Creek. —-Three old bridges over this creek have been replaced, two by short span timber bridges and one by a culvert. Mokihinui River Bridge.— Extensive repairs to the truss spans of lhi.9 bridge have been carried out

and it is proposed to make an early start with the renewal of the stringer section 200 ft in length in reinforced concrete. Kongahu Beach.—Encroachment- by the sea has been threatening a considerable length of highway at Kongahu Beach. Two case groynes have been constructed as an experiment to build up the beach and ao far the results appear to be satisfactory. Arthur’s Pass-Kumara Main Highway: Big Wainihinihi River Bridge.— The renewal of this bridge, 240 ft in length, has been completed. It <uusists of a rolled tfteel joist supewimcture on concrete pile fotmaalions. Rangiriri Creek Bridge.—Work is in hand on the construction of a 22ft

span reinforced concrete bridge with 20ft wide roadway. McGrath’s Creek Bridge.—The road, has been deviated for a length of 18 chains and a light42ft span R.S.J. bridge has been cons<truet|jd. Kelly’s Creek Bridge.— Work is well in hand on a reinforced concrete bridge 120 ft in length on an improved alignment. Westport-Greymouth (Coast Road) Main Highway: Dirty Mary’s Creek Bridge.—A bridge 80ft in length has been completed on an improved alignment. Big Totara River Bridge.—A commencement has been made with

•the renewal of the superstructure of this 210 ft long bridge. Lawson’s Creek Bridge.—A reinforced concrete bridge 35ft in length and with a 20ft roadway on an improved alignment is in course of construction. Charleston-Brighton.—-The improvement of the section between Charleston and Brighton has been continued with assistance from the Unemployment Board. The work has consisted of straightening and widening the road, improving the visibility at corners, metalling, and the construction of culverts. At 9!} Mile' (Grey County section). —Owing to the danger of the highway being breached by sea erosion, it has become necessary to undertake the construction of a deviation 53 chains in length. The work is well in hand. Sea erosion generally ou this highway is a matter of concern to the officers dealing with the sections of highway close to the sea, and at several pointy measures are being taken to deal with the

position. Lake Kanieri Highway: Black Bridge.—A tunnel is being driven under the road to take this creek. The bridge will be removed and the road will be carried over the old creek bed on an embankment. The work is well advanced.

Kanieri-Koiterangi Main Highway: Dimmick Creek Bridge.—A reinforced concrete bridge, 25ft in length has been constructed to replace tin old timber structure.

Waiinangaroa-Burnett’s Face Main Highway: Towards the end of the period under review, an extensive programme of improvements to.this highway was commenced, the Unemployment Board contributing on the understanding that unemployed aJ‘e engaged. The CJhairman said it was a pleasure to see that many signposts had been erected throughout the district, although there still remained a good deal 'to be done in that direction. Mr. Powell said that he would like to see the bridges named, and he moved that it be a recommendation to the Automobile Assn, that as far as posdtebhnitdlalEi t tsle>,lsirubridgis hho entelirddi sible, all bridges in the district should be marked with the name of the stream. The motion was seconded by Mr Clayton and carried. The annual report was adopted, on the notion of Messrs Higgins and Powell. Mr. Smith was re-elected Chairman unopposed, an the motion of Messrs Higgins and Clayton. The- executive was also re-elected the members being Messrs Higgins, and Clayton and the Chairman. Messrs Higging and Clayton paid a compliment to ’the manner in which Mr. Smith had carried out the duties of chairman, since his election to that office. A letter was received from the Highways Board staring that approval would be given to local bodies to employ a civil engineer, in private practice, for bridge construction and that the Board would subsidise the local bodies towards the cost. Mr. Higgins said that- he did not think it was hardly fair to local bodies who employed a permanent engineer. The offer was an inducement for local bodies to dismiss their engineers and engage a private engineer, when one was required. The Chairman said that he did not think there was any suggestion of that. There were a large number of local bodies, however, which were too small to employ a permanent engineer, and it was also pointed out that au thority was given to employ an engineer only for bridge construction, whioh was special work, that some engineers had not had the opportunity to become familiar with. The Inangahua County Council wrote regarding the maintenance of their

section of Ihe Inangahua JunctionWcheka main highway. The Chairman -’tated that for sonic years the Council had had I" find per mile towards

the maintenance but now the Board had asked for £lO. The extra demand was viewed with great apprehension by the Council, as it would necessitate an increase in the present rate of 4d in the £1 on the unimproved value, a step which the Council was reluc iant to take. The Council would point out that the toad was used largely by outsid traffic, and it did not see why the Countv ratepayers should be called upon to meet the extra charge. A vjooreus protest had bene made to the Minister, bu-t no hope of easement was held out.

Mr Clayton said that his Council view the matter rather seriously. There wa& now more outside traffic, and less f’om ratepayers, and yet the Council was being asked to contribute £lO per mile instead of £5. He thought that the old rate should be adhered to. Wages were higher when £5 was paid, and he did not see why it shouldbe increased. The Chairman said that the reason why the contribution had been increased was that the Highways Board had had to renew a large number of the bridges on the section, with free money and after negotiations it was agreed that if -the County Council would, increase its maintenance contribution, the Board would renew the bridges, free. Mr. Clayton: The Council did not agree ? The Chairman: No, but I understand that the Chairman now proposes to urge the Council td agree, as there are other propositions to assist the Council in other directions. Even with the extra the contribution from the Board remained at six or seven tq one, which I think is very reasonable*. Mr. Higgins said that to all intents

and purposes the bridges were part of the road auj should be treated on the same basis as far as maintenance was concerned The Chairman said that the maintenance of the section cost £97 per mile, and a.l! the Inangahua Council was asked to find was £lO per mile, so he did not see where they had a growl, especially when other counties got only 3 to 1 subsidy. Mr. Clayton moved that the High ways Council protest against any further increase in the County contribution towards main highways. Mr. Ashley said -that his Council had Leon asked to increase their contribution by £5. bringing it up to £l5 per mide, but. they had got it back in ether directions. The Chairman said that he thought the Inangahua County vere Aery fool ish not to have agreed. Io the increase. Tie thought that a lot of other things would have, boen fixed Un for them be fort.- this if they had. Mr. Clayton’s motion was seconded 1 y Mr Powell, and carried unanimously* Mr. Higgins said that at the bottom of all the trouble was the diverting of motor taxation from the Highways Board to other directions, which was not keeping faith with the motorists, lie moved that Highways Council protest against the diversion of motor taxation to any other purpose than use on main highways. The motion was seconded by Mr. Clayton and carried. The estimates for the year, as drafted, were approved. In connection with the annual re ; view of main highways, it was decided to recommend to '.the .Highways Board, the declaration of the following roads:—Buller County: Westport-Tau-ra nga Bay 8 miles 35 chains; Inanguhua- County: Williscroft’.»> Bridge to County Boundary,. 13 miles 40 chains Gicy County: Mitchells to Haupiri Junction, 23 miles 26 chains: Westland County: Wanganui Filat road, 8 I miles; Wataroa Flat Road, 6 miles; Brunner Borough: Kokiri Road, 1 mile <>o chains.

Ou the motion of the Chairman and Mr Higgins, a vote of appreciation was carried to Mr. D. J. Evans (Hokitika)'. for his long and valuable service on the Council, since its inception-

Mr. Clayton moved that it be a recommendation to the Highways Board to contribute £5 for £l, for tar-sealing work in this district.

The motion was seconded by M TTiggins and carried.

Mr. Ashley said that he though the ten foot standard for concrete bridges was too narrow, especially where there was farming machinery being moved.

Mr. Higgins said that some bridges in the Grey County had been built 7ft Gins wide, but not on highways. The Chairman, said that what he was after were 20 feet bridges, and in most cases they were being built that size. The Board were agreeable to ten feet bridges, only on third class high-