The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 1929. TRAFFIC PROBLEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 January 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 1929. TRAFFIC PROBLEMS.

The remarkable developments in road trallie in recent years have presented civil engineers with a whole series of new problems. The road snriace that formerly could he relied upon to stand tne wear and tear of trallie for some years has proved inadequate now that vehicular traffic is heavier and moves more rapidly. In the great centres of population the maintenance of street surfaces has proved to be very difficult, and the experiments made have been both extensive and ex|»ensive. Hut recent happenings in London have shown that diflieultics are by no means conlined to the surface. The passing of heavy traffic must set up vibrations, comments an exchange, and it is believed that these gradually weaken the underground 'systems, by means ol which the city is supplied with water, gas and electricity. When the structure of St. Paul s Cathedral was reported to be in danger the experts attributed it as being due. in part, to increased vibration affecting the Inundations, and if. that is so then the pipe systems that are not placed very far below the surface must also be affected. Amt each year will increase the possibility of damage, if not of disaster, for the volume of traffic constantly grows greater, while the pipo services grow older. A London engineer lias advocated the placing of these services under tlie footpaths instead of under the streets, a possible solution that would involve an enormous expenditure. These new problems, however, challenge man to find a solution and the resourcefulness of the human mind will yet find a practical method of reducing, if not of eliminating, the dangers. 'I be latest mails from l/>ndon contained references to an invention devised by a French engineer, who has made an effort to give the underground systems a measure of flexibility that would counteract the effect of constant vibration, lie lias bad tested a rubber joint, for various kinds of pipes, ft is made in such a way that it is compressed when inserted between lengths yf pipe. The pressure from the inside, it is claimed, forces the rubber against the sides nind makes the connection watertight. The outside of the joint can be filled, if desired, though it is claimed that the unfilled rubber joint makes the pipeline flexible without developing leaks. These problems face all communities, in some form, and doubtless many wonder how services will be affected when ti e streets have been given a more permanent surface. It is taken for granted that any extensions of pipe-lines will be laid in such a manner as to reduce the necessity for breaking the road .surfaces when connections have to be made, or repairs effected, and even the layman can see that a heavy increase in the cost may have to be faced. It is just another case of wlmt suited the needs of yesterday being unsuited to the needs of to-day, and Louden, with the services of the best experts at its command, may lead the way in the adoption of new methods.