WORK PROCEEDING STEADILY

Southland Times, Issue 24048, 12 February 1940, Page 4

WORK PROCEEDING STEADILY

OKOIA-TURAKINA RAILWAY DEVIATION (United Press Association) WANGANUI, February 11. Work is proceeding steadily on the Okoia-Turakina railway deviation, which will shorten the route by four miles, straighten the line and eliminate the grades between Palmerston North and Wanganui. The Deniair tunnel, three-quarters of a mile, is pierced and the Turakino tunnel, a mile and a-quarter, is expected to be finished in April. The total deviation is 10 miles. The new line will leave the present line near Turakina and after crossing the Turakina and Wangaehu rivers and the Wangaehu valley, will rejoin the existing line about a mile and a-half south of Okoia. The work, which was begun in 1936 is estimated to cost more than £500,000. At Turakina, 140 men are working. The Deniair complement, which at one stage was 300, has dwindled to 42 following the finishing of the tunnel. In the running time between Turakina and Aramoho, which now takes nearly an hour with the expresses, it is estimated that the time-table will be shortened by at least half an hour through the steep grades being eliminated. It is estimated that on haulage alone, based on the present traffic, a saving will result of between £40,000 and £50,000 a year.