P.W.d. Pushing Whangarei Road Improvements

Northern Advocate, 10 May 1940, Page 4

P.W.d. Pushing Whangarei Road Improvements

Improvements to the highways in the Whangarei district are still being vigorously pushed forward by the Public Works Department. These improvements consist chiefly of 'straightening road alignments and the permanent sealing of surfaces. South of the town the highway is being widened across the Ruakaka flats while the sealing has been completed from Waipu to the Maungakaramea Road junction. Just north of the Portland Road junction, a deviation of the highway is being constructed and this calls for the erection of a new two-way concrete bridge.

This work is nearing completion and when in use win provide a level, almost straight section of highway. With the exception of one fresh cutting the new road from the abattoirs to the borough boundary is now open for traffic. To The North. North of Whangarei' the work is also being pushed forward. At what is known as Mclnnes’ hill, between Kauri and Hikurangi, a concrete post and steel cable safety fence is being erected.

The road at this point turns sharply left and descends suddenly. This corner presents rather a trap for the unwary motorists who have just completed a considerable distance of practically straight road. Beyond Hikurangi, after crossing the flats and in the vicinity of the commencement of the rise to the Otonga junction, several large block cuttings and lengthy fillings plainly mark the new construction which will greatly improve the grade and alignment of the highway between this point and Whakapara. At Hukerenui, a distance of one mile of primer sealing has now been completed and the permanent sealing coat will be laid as soon as the winter is over.