ORAKEI RAILWAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19607, 8 April 1927, Page 12

ORAKEI RAILWAY.

TIDE PRESSURE ON FILLINGS. NO SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. The recent spring tides have been responsible for a situation at the Orakei Basin railway embankment which has led some • people to imagine that a serious check had been given to the job. Nothing beyond what had been expected and provided for occurred. As on all such works tide influences are carefully weighed in advance, and although the temporary opening in the embankment had been built up to limit tidal action behind it, it was well known that the spring tides would impose exceptional pressure. Through the low portion where a temporary bridge remains, the water rushed in at a great rate and the outgoing stream scoured the embankment slightly. Thanks to the opening, however, the unconsolidated bank held, and before next spring tides it is hoped that the permanent spillway, which will enclose the water at a little below ordinary high tide level, will be completed; To guard against tide action the batter of,the embankment will be facecT with stone. Some slight scouring, which is always expected, took place on the Hobson Bay fillings, but nowhere did anything of serious consequence occur during the period of abnormal sea conditions.