Re-construction of Whirokino Highway

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 64, 17 March 1936, Page 4

Re-construction of Whirokino Highway

MOUTOA DRAINAGE BOARD HOLDS f-LOOD OUTLETS ARE INSUFFICIENT.

The Moutoa Drainage Board at its monthly meeting devoted a good deal of attention to consideration of the plan of the proposed reconstruction of the main highway at. Whirokino. > . An accompanying letter from the Public Works-Department stated that the route shown on the plan was the one which had been decided upon. This route runs parallel with the existing road from tho Whirokino bridge as far as the main drain, which it crosses and after continuing straight ahead for about ton chains, the deviation sweeps to the left and rejoins tile existing road at a point roughly half-way between the existing ramp and the corner of No. 2 line. Provision is made in the plan for a concrete trestle 1450 feet long, which will be connected to tho existing river bridge by a ramp. Provision is also made for a bridge 100 feet long over the main drain, while it is also proposed to erect a stop bank running parallel with the main drain and crossing the new road at the northern end of the concrete trestle.

in discussing the plans of the proposed work, the chairman (>r J. Chrystall) said that as a drainage board, they were not greatly concerned with tho route, but their main duty was to secure an assurance from tho authorities of adequate outlets for flood waters. This point was' stated by members to be a most important one and with their intimate knowledge of the locality, the board gave very careful consideraion to the various aspects of flood water discharge. It was pointed out that the natural fall from the Whirokino bridge was towards the outlet of the main drain and that the proposed stop bank if erected would deflect the. water frem this outlet.. The board having already considered the advisability of carrying, up the increased width of the main drain, considered that 100 feet allowed for the bridge over the main drain was Insufficient, as it would seriously affect any future work of widening this important waterway.

After tho matter had been discussed at length, tho following resolution was carried unanimously: “That this board, whilst agreeing to the route chosen, strongly objects to the proposed future stop bank as shown, which will deflect the flood waters from the main drain outlet. The board also considers that in view of the fact that tho flood waters from 10,000 acres has to discharge under tho proposed trestle, the minimum width of the trestle should be not less than 25 chains; and also that the width of the bridge over the main drain be increased to two chains in view of future possible widening operations. In connection with uood discharge tho board respectfully asks that swamp-level floodgates not less than two chains in width be included in the scheme and be constructed on the river front in a suitable position.”