OVERHEAD BRIDGE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4938, 12 February 1926, Page 2

OVERHEAD BRIDGE.

HILL STREET RAILWAY CROSSING,

VEHICULAR STRUCTURE REFUSED

The question of the provision of vehicular traffic overhead bridge at the Hill Street railway crossing has been exercising the minds of the councillors, for some time. The de-

partment intends to erect an overhead bridge for pedestrian traffic only, but have been made to have a vehicular structure erected, if not at Hill Street, then at Flora Street.

At last night’s meeting of .the Paeroa Borough Council the Railways Board replied to the request of the council, and stated that ithe board had carefully reconsidered the matter, but regretted that it was unable to vary the previous, decision. Mr A. M. Samuel, M.P., who has also interested himself in the project at the request of the council, forwarded the following letter, which he had received from the Hon. Minister for Railways:— "With reference to your representations for the erection of a vehicular overhead bridge at the Hill Street railway crossing, 1 have to inform-' you that the matter has been carefully considered in all its aspects, but I am unable to agree with the council! that the bridge should be erected at the cos't of the department. “It is, admitted that ithe erection of a vehicular bridge Would shorten the distance from the goods-shed to (he station considerably so far as traffic is concerned, but as Hill. Street, on .the eastern side, is to form the connection to the proposed new main road to Thames it is evident thab considerable vehicular 1 traffic, having no connection with the railway, would also benefit. Therefore it is considered that the cost of the bridge and the approaches thereto should be borne by the local body. “In providing a footbridge at the Hill Street crossing 'thg department has, undoubtedly reasonably provided for its own clients, and I regret, therefore, that I am unable to accede to the council’s request.”

The Mayor said (hat he could not understand the decision .arrived at. In company with .the chairman of the Ohinemuri County Council waited on the Minister and the Board in connection with (he matter on February 3, and the letters were dated February 4. At the interview, lasting an hour and a quarter, the Engineer-in-Chief had submitted a bridge at an estimated cost of £20,000. A scheme put forward by the speaker was estimated to cost about £6OOO. The best ' the deputation could get from the department was- a promise that the engineer .would provide a plan and specifications fox' a cheaper scheme, provided the council would be prepared to build the approaches to the bridge. There no chance of the department carrying out the whole of the work. The Mayor said tha.t the approaches would probably run into about £2OOO, and he did not think the ratepayers could bear the cost.

Cr. Hare said that the Hauraki 1 Plains settlers were going into the matter, qnd probably they would bring some pressure to bear on ithe department.

The Mayor said he did not think the department would alter its decision.

Cr. Flatt did not think that ,the bridge was absolutely necessary. Inany ease application could be made in years to come.

Cr. Edwards said that he did not wish to let the matter lapse. Cr. de Castro was of the opinion that the council should finalise the matter. He thought .the department would realise the necessity of the bridge as the town progressed. It wap resolved to x'eceive the letters, and to ask .the department to push on with ‘the erection of the pedestrian traffic bridge. On the motion of Cr. Brenan it was resolved to write and thank the member for the district for the considerable assistance he had afforded the delegation in connection with the matter when in Wellington.' Seconded by the Mayor, who explained the help rendered by Mr Samuel.