SUGGESTED ALTERATION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 164, 12 June 1945, Page 4

SUGGESTED ALTERATION

MAIN TRUNK RAILWAY. . AYANGANUI, June 11

The possibility of an alternative route being lound for the Main Trunk railway between Mangaweka and Ltiku, principally with the object of eliminating gradients and tunnels, one of which inis always proved troublesome, is being investigated. The scheme has not yet reached the stage of a detailed survey being made, but the deviation would mean me present main fine brandling off at Mangaweka and crossing the Jxangitikei River and more or less roliowing a level route which would bring the lnie out in the Kawhatau district before again crossing the llangitikei River and linking with the existing fine at Utiku. Associated with this proposal is another that would have the effect of diverting the main highway between Bulls and Taihape along a similar route, the object being the elimination of the present winding road between Mangaweka and Ltiku. It the scheme were adopted the new highway and railroad would be under construction simultaneously. A third suggestion linked with this dual purpose deviation is that the Rangitikei River be dammed at a point below Ltiku tor liydro-eleetric works in this locality. A new combined road and railway bridge would have to be built if the deviation proposal were approved. From a railway operating point of view the doviation would he a distinct advantage. The present distance by rail between Mangaweka and Utiku is only eight miles, but the winding track over this section includes no fowe-r than six tunnels; one of these, appropriately called tho “black tunnel,’’ contains a wide curve and is always damp. This tunnel has given trouble on occasions and it is understood that its elimination is desirable. At present-, however, every precaution . is taken for the safety of trains and the track is regularly patrolled.

From Mangaweka, 1072 ft. above sea level, the railroad climbs to a height of 13241 t, before dropping down to 1162 ft, two miles south of Utiku. It then begins a long gradual climb to Taihape. Included in the section are two viaducts, one of them, near Mangaweka, being among the three largest on the Main Trunk, the proposed now route is not necessarily shoiter, but tho gradients would be easier. At. present the maximum grade between Mangaweka :uid Utiku is 1 in 60. the stiffest climb being on the Mangaweka “bank.” The biggest engineering problems of the proposed deviation between Mangaweka and Utiku would probably be the construction of two bridges across the Rangitikci River. In this region the river winds its way through a precipitous papa gorge. The bridges would be among tile largest in the. North Island and at least 300 feet above the level of the water. If the highway scheme were adopted in conjunction with'the railroad plan, however, the bridges would carry combined road and rail traffic. The bridging of the Kawliatau Stream, which flows through, a gorge and joins the Rangitikoi River, would also be necessary. °