FLOOD AFTERMATH

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 36, 18 May 1938, Page 3

FLOOD AFTERMATH

“CLOSED FOR WEEKS YET” WAIROA-NAPIER HIGHWAY T RECvInBTR L’CTION work “It will be some weeks yet before the Wairoa-Napicr section of the Gis-borne-Napier State highway will be open to even experienced drivers,” said the resident A.A. patrol, Mr 13. M'. McGregor, to a B. 13. Herald reporter yesterday morning. Both routes from Gisborne to Wairoa were in reasonable condition now and with the completion towards the end of this week of the bridge at Faulkner’s Reserve, Muriwai, an allweather highway would again connect Gisborne- and Wairoa through Morere. “South of Wairoa the highway is now open to the site of the washedout bridge which spanned the Waikoau Stream, a short distance beyond’ Tutira and in the vicinity of the Devil’s Elbow,’’ continued Mr -McGregor. “The road .is open only to experienced drivers. It will be necessary for some time on this section of the route for motorists to use the Mohaka and Waikare viaducts and certain sections c-f the permanent way that provide detours from the old highway where bridges were damaged or washed away in the storm.” Use of Mohaka’ Viaduct. On account of the . unusual construction of the Mohaka Viaduct lie said that motorists using that structure would not be inconvenienced by any sense .of travelling at a great height as the rails * were supported from the bottom of the large longitudinal girders instead of on top as usually. In that manner the view below was cut off from the vision or motor traffic. “In regard to the Waikare viaduct it will be necessary to travel over about one and ii-half miles of the permanent way before reaching the bridge,” said the patrol. “The line is on a curve at this point as there is no visibility for the complete length of the wide curve and as there are no passing points a telephone system will be installed to connect each end of the detour. A man will be stationed' at each‘end and motorists will be advised if there is any other car on the detour.” A temporary bridge was being erected at present across the A\ aikoau Stream and immediately the temporary bridge was completed extra equipment, would be available for the work. From- the top of the lull the road would go via the old settlement road to Tangoio and! on to the Eslo River. Date of Opening Doubtful. -=3 The patrol said that there was not mud’, more work to he carried out to open up the route for the passage ot experienced drivers, but the thye ot the opening was doubtful because it was not known hew long it would take to- carry out the work in’ such a manner that- the highway would be open and sale for. traffic of alj kinds. The temporary bridge across the Esk River was expected to be completed within two or three days. >