LINE TO BE OPENED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 85, 12 April 1940, Page 4

LINE TO BE OPENED

STRATFORD EAST RAILWAY GOODS TRANSPORT ONLY START BI APRIL 29? Following an inspection recently by Messrs. J. Muirson, inspecting engineer and J. Dow, district engine ?r at Wanganui, it is hoped that daylight goods trains will be running between Stratford and Taumarunui by April No timetable has yet been issued and no indication has been possible of the likely date for the resumption of passenger traffic, although it is presumed that it will still be a matter of some weeks yet. A decision on the point may be influenced by the fact that work is known to be impending on the Main Trunk near the spiral. When this is undertaken, Main Trunk traffic is expected to be divertea through Stratford. If the work is delayed, the outcome may be the institution of a temporary daylight service, but such matters as these will be determined only following the passage of time, and its effect on the state of the country bordering the line. The only obstacle that now exists to trains running qn the full length is the washout near Tangarakau, and a bridge, now being constructed, should be finished by the end of next week. In an effort to provide some passenger transport, there is a possibility that a car will be attached to certain goods trains, two of which are expected to run each way daily. Relieving Congestion. The present plan provides for the running of "double-headers," long, heavy trains with two engines attached, in an effort to relieve the heavy traffic on the Taumarunui-Marton-Wanganui section. Speed restrictions will operate over the sections damaged, and subject to damage between Whangamomona and Okahukura, and because of the presence of work trains on various sections the automatic signals system will be temporarily suspended. The line from Tangarakau to Okahukura has been open for slow traffic for a week now, but no temporary service such as operates between Kohuratahi and Stratford has been necessary. During the Easter period stock trains ran between the Main Trunk and various Ohura stations as required, being piloted by surfacemen throughout the length. Up to tihe end of last week upwards of 200 men were employed on rehabilitation work, there being approximately 100 west of Tangarakau. Work is now proceeding on the removal of overhanging debris and the sloping back of dangerous faces. Rain last week-end revived a large slip between Tangarakau and Tahora, the line being covered, but it was cleared again yesterday. Three sets of piers have to be sunk