WIDTH OF A ROAD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20303, 10 July 1929, Page 14

WIDTH OF A ROAD.

MT. ROSKILL DISCUSSION.

COMPLAINT BY RESIDENTS.

Tho question of tho width of a road was discussed at a meeting of the Mount Roskill Road Board last evening, when Mr. A. O'Donnell acted as spokesman for a large deputation on the subject of the formation and reconstruction of Selwyn PiOad.

While complimenting the board on giving it early attention, the deputation took exception to the method, particularly in reducing the roadway to 26it., and in making tho footpaths 12ft. and 28ft. respectively. Residents objocted to the danger in making the roadway so narrow and the task thrown upon residents on the northern side in keeping in order an excessive width of grass. Mr. O'Donnell suggested widening the road by 9ft. on tho northern side. Mr. S. I. Goodall asked whether the residents wcro prepared to make up tho extra cost in meeting their wishes. The engineer, Mr. J. IX Whitmore, said that the work of keeping tho grass in order would apply to all streets made on the boulevard principle. In his opinion 26ft. of carriage-way would meet all traffic requirements for very many years. Tho Main Highways Board, in planning its main thoroughfares, provided for only 18ft. of roadway, with two 4ft. shoulders, or 26ft. in all, and these roads carried infinitely more traffic than Selwyn Road ever would. Ho questioned tho suggestion of danger to pedestrians, for children could much more safely cross a road of 26ft. than ono of greater width. To straighten out tho road to its full width would entail great expense in constructing a retaining bank. , Mr. O'Donnell said that he was not in a position fo make any promises regarding tho willingness of the residents to meet tho extra cost involved, when they did not know how much it would lie In any case, however, the principle of the residents having to pay was wrong. The chairman, Mr. E. F. Jones, promised that tho board would consider the proposals, and advise the deputation.