TRAFFIC RELIEF

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12197, 23 July 1925, Page 4

TRAFFIC RELIEF

DIVERSION SUGGESTION THE HUNTER STREET ROUTE. The City Council has under consideration a proposal for the utilisation of Hunter street as a connecting link between Lambton and Jervois quays to provide an outlet for the traffic congestion in the busier portions of the city. Before this can be done, however, Provision has to. be made for the removal of portion of a big building which stands in the way of a clear passage in this thoroughfare. The decision of tne council as to, whether it will ncquire the building and remove the part necessary is being precipitated by an application of the insurance company owning and occupying, the building for a permit to construct a further story on top of the present offices.. When questioned as to the attitude of the council, the Mayor (Mr C. J. B. Norwood) stated that the finance committee would discuss this matter at its next meeting. The provision of a clear way through Hunter street, he said, would ensure relief of the traffic, which, after leaving the upper end of Lambton quqgr, quickly increased in volume before the bottle neck at Willis street was reached. As the city expanded, this congestion would become more marked, and it was thought that this proposed diversion would meet the requirements of the added traffic. The granting or refusing of the permit to build an extra story on the building would probably decide the policy of the council in respect to the Hunter street route, insofar as if the permit was allowed, tho cost to the council of acquiring the building would probably become prohibitive, whereas it might be purchased now, and not utilised till tho opportunity of conveniently making the change was presented.