THE SHANNON BRIDGE

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3640, 19 May 1927, Page 3

THE SHANNON BRIDGE

QUESTION OF APPROACH ROUTE. FURTHER CONSIDERATION BY DEPARTMENT DESIRED. In reply to a request by the Horowlienua County Council, estimates were received from the Public Works Department, on Saturday, for the approach roads to the Manawatu river bridge near Shannon, the construction of which has been authorised by the -Government at an estimated total cost (including the right bank and left bank bridge approaches) of £23,822. This sum was apportioned as follows: — £ Highways Board 13,562 Manawatu County 4280 Horowhenua County 4280 Foxton Borough 850 Shannon Borough 850 The estimate of cost for the formation of the Manawatu County road approach was £2700 and for the Horowhenua County road approach £s4oo,.according to information supplied to the previous meeting of the Council by the District Engineer, who also stated that he desired to have an assurance from the Council that a contribution on a £ for £ basis would be made on the approneh road. At the last meeting of the Council, the proposals were referred back to the District Engineer with a request for information as to how the estimate of cost of the approach road was arrived at. This came to hand at the meeting on Saturday, but as if was stated by the Chairman to be subject to revision, the figures were not given out for publication. The Chairman stated that there would be very little difference in the cost of the three routes when the roads were brought out of floodwater level. There was some difference of opinion as to why No. 3 route was selected, and lie had had numerous requests that the question of routes be again opened and taken up with the Public Works Department, He felt that this would be as well, taking every circumstance into consideration and the estimated costs of the different routes. The Public Works engineer would probably visit the site in a few days and would report again. They had been led to believe that the Railway Department opposed a level crossing; but there was no more dangerous crossing than that a few chains south of Shannon. If the latter could bo closed and the new one opened, it would be an improvement and give better access. There would be opposition from Shannon; but the Council had to consider the future, and if No. 1 route was the best, it was the bounden duty of the County to adopt. After investigating the matter, apart from viewing the various sites, lie felt that the matter might well be re-opened and various points taken into consideration. The County Engineer (Mr. Anderson) suggested making a definite move now and asking the Department to re-open the matter and review it. The Chairman then moved that the Department be asked to review the whole position in regard to the approach road to the proposed Manawatu bridge. The motion was seconded by Cr. McLeavey and carried.