SOUTH WESTLAND ROADS

Hokitika Guardian, 14 February 1931, Page 4

SOUTH WESTLAND ROADS

DISTRICT ENGINEER'S REPORT. The District Public Works Engineer Aid T. A. .Johnston, lias returned from a further inspect on of the recent flood damage in connection with the Main Highways to Weheka and also with the Great South Hoed' south of the Waiiio. .ne flood at Waiiio and Weheka ou February 2. was one of tin* severest that has been experienced for a number of yours. At Waiiio a rainfall of 17 inches was reeoidod in 30 hours, and at Weheka it was reported that 22 indies fell over the same period, .no.il _u (-minis below the Waiiio River I.ridge the Main South lion-1 was completely cut away by tile river over a length of seven or eight chains and although temporary access lias now been provided, it is considered that a twenty or thirty chains’ deviation will ultimately lie necessary. At Docherty’s Creek, three miles “below Waiiio, where a new bridge was completed last year the river broke through the north approach and formed a new channel. The bridge is undamaged but cannot be utilised until extensive draining works in connection with the river are completed. At present a good ford below the bridge is eing used by motorists. A number of severe washouts occurred throughout the Waiho-Wehekft section where the smaller streams crossed t-lio roads. The most serious of the slips was on the sideling at the south side of the W'nikukupa Bridge, ‘‘lt almost appeared.” sad Mr John? ston, “as if a cloudburst had str-gpR ■ms locality as the road had existed for many years previously,

It was considered ill the first instance that a deviation of Hie road would be necessary but after full investigation it has been decided that tlie existing road could b? re-opened and made safe for traffis. An approximate estimate of the damage caused by the flood below Waiiio and Weheka was £3,000, and though access lias been temporarily restored, a large amount of reconstruction work lias to be carried out. The District Engineer pointed out that had it not been for the mini her of men employed on the Great South Road on relief works the re-opening of the road would have taken much longer. -Motorists are advised that the Main Highway throughout is in good running order, though care should he exercised in places where repairs are being carried out.