ROADS GOOD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23689, 22 December 1938, Page 7

ROADS GOOD

AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION REPORT NEW OVERHEAD BRIDGE AT PALMERSTON The main roads throughout the South Island, according to reports received by the Automobile Association, Otago, are all in good condition, but care must be exercised on the approaches to the new overhead bridge at Palmerston, where only one-way traffic is provided for. The following is the general report issued by the secretary of the association. Mr P. F. Harre:— Main North Uoad The Main North road to Christchurch is in excellent condition. There is only a stretch of 13 miles (between the Rangitata bridge and Hinds) which is not sealed. It should be noted that the new traffic cverbridge crossing the railway line at Palmerston will be open to-morrow, but as the approaches will only take one-way traffic meantime, care must be exercised her?. North of Christchurch the highway is in a satisfactory condition, although care needs to be exercised in the vicinity of Kaikoura, where railway construction work is proceeding. South of Seddon road reconstruction is also taking place. Motorists going on from Blenheim to Nelson are reminded that the Grove track from Picton 'o Havelock is a very beautiful drive, skirting as it does Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, but care needs *o be taken on this road, as it is very narrow. It is not advisable to traverse it in wet weather. Main South Road The Main South road to Invercargill is now sealed to Balclutha. Reconstruction is taking place further south between Balclutha and McNab. but generally is in good condition. Prom Gore to Invercargill the going is excellent. The Inland Routes The Dunedin-Queenstown road, via Kawarau Gorge is now in good order, the Manuka and Cromwell Gorges having been recently reconstructed and resurfaced. In connection with the Kawarau Gorge, this has been very much improved, the whole section having been widened, corners cut back, and the surface is quite fair. There is no need for any concern abouts its condition. The Crown Range road is good, and many improvements have also been made on the Lindis Pass road to Omarama. The Palmerston-Ranfurly (over the Pigroot) and Ranfurly to Clyde, via Omakau highways are in excellent order. The Queenstown-Kingston road is In good condition. Widening has been effected on certain bad corners, and a protecting wall has been erected on some corners. The surface is excellent. The Eglinton Valley road is In splen did order right to the Homer. Motor traffic is not allowed to proceed up tothe tunnel mouth, but is stooped at a gate about half a mile below the tunnel. . Further Afield On the Christchurch-West Coast highway, the Otira Gorge road has recently been much improved, both the width and surface having had attention during the past few months. The Waimakariri has been bridged, likewise the Bruce, Cass, and Rough Creek It must be remembered, however, that after heavy rain the small creeks come up rapidly, and under these conditions care must be taken, particularly at Craigieburn. From Christchurch to Lewis Pass no trouble should be experienced, as, all water courses likely to give trouble have : been bridged; but motorists should exercise care between Springs Junction and Reef ton, as widenine operations are being carried out and travelling speed must be reduced for a few miles. Between Murchison and Maruia Springs Junction the road is narrow and very winding, and although the surface is satisfactory cautious driving is necessary. From Greymouth to the Glaciers, the road is now tar-sealed between Greymouth and Hokitika. and a new section has been made between Kumnra Railway Station and Hokitika. This follows the railway line, and motorists: proceeding south from Grevmouth do not now have to go in to Dillmanston Junction and through Stafford to Hokitika. The road from Hokitika south is in good condition, but narrow .in places, and high speed is undesirable.