D.—l.

On some of the State highways which were taken over by the Board there were indications that minor maintenance items had not received sufficient attention in the past. Water-tables had become overgrown and culverts had become partially or totally blocked, with the result that, in wet weather, damage occurred which could have been prevented. Regular maintenance'operations have practically remedied these circumstances. From its inception the Board has stressed the importance of bridge-maintenance and has impressed upon road-controlling authorities the urgent necessity for proper and regular inspections. Endeavours have been made to institute periodical inspections of structures so that small matters of maintenance could be attended to at little cost and the life of the bridge utilized to the full. It was generally found that where bridge-maintenance was neglected for a number of years the time came when costly major repairs were needed or a complete renewal became necessary earlier than was justified. Many controlling bodies recognized the wisdom of constant bridge-maintenance, but others did not appear to fully appreciate the position. During the past year particular attention was given to the reconditioning of bridges on State highways, and the following table gives some idea of the work carried out: — Running planks added to full deck width on .. .. . . 200 bridges. Wing or approach fences erected to give added safety on .. .. 160 ~ Handrails repaired on . . . . . . .. .. .. 167 ~ Structural repairs effected on .. .. .. .. 11l ~ Painting carried out on . . .. .. . • • • 311 „ The structures which appeared to be most neglected were those built of steel or timber, although some concrete bridges were also included. Throughout the past year the reconstruction of bridges on State highways has continued. A number of important structures were completed, and generally good progress was made with others in course of erection. A large number of single-way bridges still remain on the State highways system, and on heavily-trafficked sections they create dangers which must be removed as early as possible. Special attention is being given to this class of work, and every effort is being made to expedite replacement according to the order of urgency. Further advance has been made in the direction of providing all-weather connections on State highways. In some localities low-lying sections are subject to flooding and after heavy rain traffic becomes blocked. In dealing with these sections it is usual, when preparing remedial measures, to investigate possible improvements to alignment, &c., so as to secure the maximum benefit. In some cases, deviations have been constructed on higher ground with considerable improvement in curvature, and in others additional filling has been placed to raise the road above flood level. The continuation of dustless surfacing has proceeded, and during the past year a number of uncompleted gaps have been paved. Between Wellington and New Plymouth there is now a continuous pavement, although some of the paving laid down prior to the advent of the main highways system is undergoing reconstruction. With the exception of the Rangitata Deviation, which is well on towards completion, there is also a continuous paved surface on the State highway from Christchurch to Dunedin. Paving has been extended in many other districts, the general policy being to continue outwards from centres of population. Owing, however, to the growing necessity for dustless surfacing on the arterial highways it is proposed to give early attention to the sealing of lengths in rural districts which do not require very much reconstruction. This will afford a certain amount of immediate benefit pending the completion of improvements where heavy reconstruction must be carried out before paving is attempted. Traffic Census. Last year it was reported that arrangements had been made for taking another census of traffic throughout the main highways system during the year 1937-38, and the opinion was expressed that the results would show substantial increases in many localities. The census was taken at 444 tally-points for a complete week during the months of August, 1937, and January, 1938, respectively, these periods having been selected to obtain information relative to winter and summer conditions. At the more important stations records were kept throughout twentyfour hours each day, and at the less important stations for sixteen hours each day. The results revealed an extraordinary increase in traffic volume when compared with the last census taken three years ago. The general conclusion may be stated as representing an increase of approximately 46-4 per cent., although in a few cases the volume of motor traffic increased by as much as 300 per cent, and 350 per cent. One locality showed an increase of 1,000 per cent., but this appears to be due to the fact that a connection between two highways had been established since the previous census where formerly both roads ran to a dead end. The object of the census was to secure reliable information relative to the trend of developments in motor traffic so as to assist the Board in formulating proposals for highway improvements. It is obvious that in considering reconstruction schemes every possible provision must be made for the rapid rate of traffic growth, taking into account the finances available, otherwise the standard of construction will become inadequate within a comparatively short period. In view of the traffic figures disclosed by the census it is apparent that the occasional criticism of the Board's improvement works cannot be sustained on the grounds that they provide a standard in excess of requirements. On the contrary, the facts merely point to the justification for adopting standards which make reasonable provision for present and prospective traffic development.

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