THE LEVIN-FOXTON MAIN HIGHWAY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3991, 31 August 1929, Page 3

THE LEVIN-FOXTON MAIN HIGHWAY.

DISCUSSED BY HIGHWAYS . BOARD. RAISING ROAD TOO COSTLY. At the last meeting of the Foxton Chamber of Commerce it was decided to urge upon the Main Highways Board the urgent necessity for some steps to be taken to protect that portion of the Welling-ton-Auckland highway between Levin and Foxton known as the Whirokino road from the periodical hooding it is at plresent subjected to. The Chamber suggested that the (Main Highways Board should give consideration to the question of raising the road three feet which, it was considered, would make it safe for all time. Copy of the Chamber’s letter was forwarded to the various local bodies concerned and at Thursday night’s meeting of the IChaniber replies were received from the Wellington and Manawatu Automobile Clubs, and the Levin Chamber of Commerce endorsing the Chamber’s move and offering to co-operate in any way possible to have the work carried out. The Fa hums ton North Chamber asked for further details. A letter was received, however, from Mr. F. W. Fnrkert, Chairman of the Main Highways Board, which read as follows: —

“Witli reference to your letter of the 26th nit. in which your Chamber stresses the urgency of dealing with that section of the Auckland Wellington main highway between Whirokino Bridge and Fox-ton which is frequently affected by floods, I have to inform you that a preliminary investigation has been made with a view of ascertaining the practicability and the estimated cost of the proposal of your Chamber to raise the road by three feet.

“The problem is a very difficult one on account of the fact that there is a great deal of uncertainty in connection with the flood control schemes which are being considered for the district. The nature and locality of such schemes undoubtedly will have a. very important bearing on the question of making the highway passable at all times. “An approximate estimate to raise the rosed three feet and to proride a large flood opening which would he necessary if the road were raised is £31,000.

“This estimate would not include provision for a bituminised surface. “The whole matter was considered by the Main Highways Board at its last meeting on the 21st inst., when it was decided to inform your Chamber that the Board in view of the circumstances could not embark on such a costly scheme at present.” Mr. G. Barber considered it would be a very dangerous thing to build the road up in the locality mentioned. The pressure that would be brought to bear on the embankment in flood time would be enormous and no bank would stand it. There had been an instance of this on Mr. F. Easton’s property finite recently. The Knri Kuri stream had been banked similarly and three times the bridge and hank had been! washed away. The letted 1 was received and discission on the subject lapsed.