NEW ROAD PLAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22805, 12 August 1937, Page 13

NEW ROAD PLAN

TAURANGA TO OPOTIKI SHORTENING HIGHWAY FEATURES OF THE SCHEME DEVIATIONS AND BRIDGES A scheme for the improvement and shortening of the Tauranga-Opotiki highway that has been planned by the Public Works engineer of the district, Mr. 1?. H. P. Ponayne, was described to members of the council of the Automobile Association (Auckland) last night by the touring manager, Mr. P. E. Champtaloup. One of its features is the elimination of some winding sections on the road to Mount Maungali u i.

Mr. Champtaloup recommended that the council convey to the Main Highways Board the association's support of proposals, already under consideration, for the elimination of the narrow and winding sections of the Tauranga-Opotiki highway. It was estimated that the distance would be reduced from approximately 100 miles to GO} miles—a saving of miles The Question of Cost

The'scheme would involve two major deviations and the bridging of the Tauranga and Ohiwa Harbours. The estimated cost would not exceed the amount it would be necessary to spend on the existing highways to bring them up to the standard required for modern traffic. The new road, it had been stated, would be infinitely superior as an arterial highway. As a result of his visit to the district, the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. It. Scmple, had given instructions to proceed with a full investigation, including comprehensive engineering surveys and detailed estimates. A very desirable feature, said the report, was that although tourists would pass right through Tauranga and Whakatane, they would, by means of new bv-pass roads along the foreshore, be able to avoid the congested parking streets and more densely populated areas through which delay was often caused. Bridge Across Harbour From Tauranga the route was designed to run along the yaterfront and cross tlio harbour by means of a bridge alongside the present railway structure. It would then swing across an embankment to the new aerodrome site, thus bringing it within three miles of Tauranga instead of 15. and shortening the distance to the Mount from 18 miles to six. The new route would then link up with the existing road from the Mount and run over level country to join the Tauranga-Te Puke highway. Route at Whakatane It was proposed to enter Whakatane on the river bank, keeping on the water side of the township until beyond the wharf, when a gradual inward sweep would bring the road to the foot of the hills. A short tunnel and an easy grade would replace the steep climb to Hillcrcst, the coast being rejoined at Oliope. From there the coast would be followed in a straight line. Mr. Champtaloup said he had been informed that the construction of a bridge across the mouth of the Ohiwa Harbour would present no engineering difficulties, and it was then an easy run to the Taneatua highway seven miles from Opotiki. The distance would be reduced from 39 miles to 19. The very costly reconstruction of the Waimnna Gorge would also be eliminated. The report was received.