MAIN HIGHWAYS

Hokitika Guardian, 27 July 1933, Page 6

MAIN HIGHWAYS

BRIDGE RENEW'AES . PILINNED

(Per Priss Association ~ Copyright.)

WELLINGTON, July 26

■ In making tire allocations of. its aiiit.ual estimates among local authorities this year, the Alain Highways Board has adopted a new .system which will- give greeter freedom in the planning of expenditure. The grant s are 'made quarterly • • for an expenditure strictly covering that period, but in future the -board will consider ryqu>sitiong covering a -six .months’ expenditure in the quarter.

This, it i, s considered, will enable many local bodies to carry out a- large programme of met;tiling or other wo:k m the most suitable time of the year.

by anticipating same of the second •quarter’s grants. The estimates are in course, of circulation to local authorities.

Constructional estimates have also been completed, <rmd can shortly be submitted to local bodies. The most interesting feature is that the board i. s aide to approve a fairly extensive bridge renewal programme o, n arterial roads, in oases . where the bridges have reached their fir'd .‘limit of useful life, wnl

would in future require very expensive ■ work,- to maintain them in safe condition. The alternative is complete renewal,

and provision Is. being made for th;-s ep.iirse .to be 'adopted ,in no fewer than 170 cases.. This work sliQidd. assi St in relieving unemployment in the most desirable.way, Uis it will enable men. to secure workj£kt then; qwhr trades.