CROSSING DANGER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23178, 26 October 1938, Page 16

CROSSING DANGER

NORMANBY ROAD CASE NEED FOR OVERHEAD BRIDGE DEPARTMENT'S 'VIEW CRITICISED Advico that consideration had been given to tho provision of an overhead bridge at the Normanby Road level crossing was received last night by the Mount Eden Borough Council from tho General Manager of Railways, Mr. G. H. Macklcy. Although the provision of such a bridge at this crossing was not especially difficult from an engineering viewpoint, said Mr. Mackley, it was likely to be very expensive because of interference with frontage and encroachment on valuable land. "Tho department is, however, prepared to meet one-sixth of the cost of providing au overhead bridge at this crossing, which is its usual rate of contribution for the elimination of main highway crossings," said Mr. Mackley, "if your council is prepared to meet the balance of the cost." In the meantime, Mr. Macklcy added, the view at tho crossing was being improved. The Mayor, Mr. R. J. Mills, said the position was ridiculous. It affected the city as much as the borough. The borough could not do more than help with tho approaches. Other council members said the bridge should be regarded as a national undertaking. The number of accidents which had occurred there showed this. Bridges were being built in other parts of the country where the necessity seemed far less urgent.

It was decided to approach Messrs. W. T. Andertou, A. S. Richards and F. W. Schramm, M.P.'s, and ask them to take the matter up with the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple. It was stated that Mr. Mackley would also be advised that the council was dissatisfied with his letter.