Northern Outlet Plan Approved For £1.7m

Press, Volume C, Issue 29516, 18 May 1961, Page 16

Northern Outlet Plan Approved For £1.7m

(from Our Own Reporter)

WELLINGTON, May 17

Approval of an eight-year plan for the northern outlet of Christchurch was approved at today’s meeting of the National Roads Board. The complete scheme is estimated to cost the Roads Board £1,715,000.

The - approved route, known as “Route C. 1.” in the provisional planning, runs from Chaneys corner to the Waimakariri river, which it crosses by an eventual four-lane bridge to be built above the existing road and rail structures. It will then pass west of Kaiapoi, close to and parallel with Sneyd street, and will approach the existing highway near Pa road.

It differs from the original “Route C”, at this point in that, instead of crossing the present highway and proceeding on the eastern side of it, the new route will continue on the w'estern side, passing west of Woodend and Waikuku before joining the Ashley river bridge. In offering this route, the board authorised the District Commissioner of Works. Christchurch, to carry out detailed surveys, prepare estimates, take steps to protect the route from further development along it, and draw up a programme of work based on the following rate of expenditure:— 1962-63, £50,000; 1963-64. £180.000; 1964-65. £295.000: 1965-66, £300.000; 1966-67. £300.000; 1967-68, £310,000: 1968-69, £280,000.

"These rates are considered to be within the board’s ability to make finance available for this project.” said the assistant Director of Reading (Mr A. S. Begg) when putting forward the submission.

The expenditure of £1,715.000 should complete by 1969:

(1) A four-lane motorway from Chaneys corner to Cam road, just north of Kaiapoi. (2) A two-lane motorway from Cam road to State highway 72, east of Rangiora. (3) The improvement to four lanes of the existing State highway from Cranford street through Belfast and Chaneys corner.

"Furthe’ - extension of the scheme should not be required before 1975,” said Mr Begg. During discussion on the alternative routes. Major N A Rattray (representing the Counties’ Association) said that he was concerned at the amount of farming land that would be removed from production by the construction of the motorway Farm Production "One thing we must consider its effect on the production of farms producing milk, vegetables and the like for the expanding citv of Christchurch.” said Maior Rattray “I would prefer the new road to run. where possible. through marginal land—sandhills and the like”

Mr W H. Brown (representing the private motor owners) said that this point should be considered when planning was being completed on the Pa road-Ashley river section. “Our view on this can best be expressed bv adding this recommendation to our approval of the scheme.” said the chairman (Mr Goosman. Minister of Works).

The board unanimously approved that every effort be made to avoid cutting up farmland. Explaining the situation to members of the board. Mr Begg said that the vehicle density on the road between Chaneys and Kaianoi was between 5000 and 6000 vehicles an hour on week-days, but double that on week-ends and holidays Because of the development of the area, this was increasing by 5 per cent annually, and would bn doubled in from 10 to 15 years.

Chaneys to the north of Kaiapoi. From Chaneys into the heart of the city was a problem deeply concerning the regional and city planners. At present there could be no finality concerning this part of the route, but the part north from Chaneys should be proceeded with. Mr Begg said that one course suggested was to improve the alignment and present width of the existing highway. Over the full distance to Kaiapoi. this would cost about £650.000 It would give relief for some years, but by 1975 it would be necessary to look for another route again Two other routes had been considered, one running west of the present line, and one more down towards the coast. The cost of these would run out at something like £3m each. One of the advantages of the recommended route was that it lent itself to being completed in stages. He submitted the costing schedule which was later adopted. Replying to questions. Mr Begg said that the proposal was to put a two-lane bridge across the Waimakariri on the new route. Later, when the highway was extended to four lanes, the bridge would be built to achieve this. .

On the motion of Major Rattray, the board expressed its appreciation of the work done by the Christchurch planning office and bv the Regional Planning Authority

The obvious place to start was tn the area from