LEWIS PASS ROUTE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 24 October 1940, Page 3

LEWIS PASS ROUTE

ACCESS VIA SHENANDOAH POSSIBILITY OF WORK NOT BEING COMPLETED , AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION CONCERNED When it was reported at the last night’s meeting of the Automobile Association (Nelson) that there were now only 15 men working on the Shenandoah road, which was to have been the new route from Murchison to the Lewis Pass, keen concern was expressed at the possibility that the work might not be completed. The following report on major works of improvement and construction in hand or contemplated in the district was received from the South Island Motor Union: The formation and metalling of four and a half itiiles between Takaka and Onekaka on the Richmond-Colling-wood highway are practically completed. Two short bridges are being erected on this length. On the NelsonWestport highway the improvements at Arnold’s and between Hope Saddle and Eight Mile have been continued, and the two retaining walls at Rotoroa Point and in the Buller Gorge completed. Formation has been continued on the Murchison-Lewis Pass highway, the first mile being now completed. On the Blenheim-Nelson highway preparation for sealing between the Rai Valley and Wangamoa has been completed over the thirteen mile contract length. Metalling has also been in progress on the Wangamoa Hill I section, but this work has been suspended for the time being. Referring to this report the Patrol Officer, Mr N. M. McLaren, mentioned that a camp had been established near the central portion of the Shenandoah road, between Murchison and the Lewis Pass, and good work had been done on either side. The corners on the first part of the road, leading in from Sullivan’s bridge, had been improved, but nothing at all had been done to the last section of the road. “Unless we get this alternative access by the West Coast it is going to stop Canterbury visitors coming this way,” I maintained the chairman, Dr S. A. j Gibbs. He complained that southern motorists had always been advised that the Maruia Saddle was a dangerous road. The road was now excellent from Warwick Junction to Springs Junction. The route was now going to be blocked by the remaining small section. Access to Inangahua had been improved and the Shenandoah portion was the only piece left. The .Patrol Officer said that there was a stretch of 25 miles from Sullivan’s Bridge to the Maruia Saddle Road. The middle part of the job had been improved. Mr J. R. Leggo asked whether this was being neglected or was there not enough money? The chairman remarked that other parts of the Dominion were not being neglected, and quoted work that was being done in Canterbury. It was decided to make representations to the responsible authorities with a view to increasing and accelerating the work on the Shenandoah road.