SOCKBURN-STYX RAILWAY

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24896, 8 June 1946, Page 8

SOCKBURN-STYX RAILWAY

Accommodation For

Sidings BIG SAVINGS IN HANDLING The intention of the Railway Department to construct a by-pass line from Sockburn to Styx was discussed ,by the assistant-general manager (Mr C. R. Riesop) at the North Canterbury regional planning conference yesterday. He said the line would keep railway traffic out of the congested area of Christchurch and Addington. effect considerable savings in handling, and help to develop an industrial area.

Mr Riesop said the line would run along the edge of the metropolitan area with a radius of about five miles fiom Cathedral square. It would provide private siding accommodation. The City Engineer (Mr E. Somers) later in the meeting’ said the sooner the by-pass line was constructed the better for the industrial life of the city. The City Council had been overwhelmed by applications for sites on a railway from people overseas. Mr Riesop said development plans also included duplication of the line between Styx and Rangiora, which would eliminate delays and mean big savings in time and working expenses. It was also proposed to duplicate the eight miles of line between Rolleston and Norwood, which would remove a bottleneck.

The Addington workshops site was inadequate, particularly in yard space, said Mr Riesop. and it was proposed to acquire another eight acres, which would mean the diversion of Blenheim road. There would be no undue disturbance of tenancies. The land would be taken, but the occupants would be left in possession until the work could be proceeded with. The department had already begun the reorganisation of the Christchurch yard and facilities in preparation for the new station.