Spiral Hill corner study next year

Ruapehu Bulletin, 21 December 1993, Page 1

Spiral Hill corner study next year

Spiral Hill road works are part of Transit New Zealand's programme for 1994/95 - the first time in several years works proposed under the category of 'major works' have been included. But the work for 1994/95 on the stretch of State Highway Four south of Raurimu is to be $20,000 worth of design work on the section just south of the passing lanes, at the top of the hill. The objective of the work would be to "provide a speed environment compatible with adjacent sections and to reduce the accident rate," according to Transit New Zealand's report. The preferred option for TNZ would be to realign the section. The work would cost an estimated $ 1 .2 million. Ruapehu District councillors discussed the programme at their meeting last Friday. Cr Joe Murphy said the Spiral Hill work had been approved back in Taumarunui County Council days. "It seems we've gone backwards from then. Now they are preparing to spencf$20,000 just on design work when I understood it was ready to go years ago," he said. "At least Transit New Zealand looks to being serious about improving State Highway Four," said mayor Garrick Workman. Other work on the programme includes $20,000 of investigation work into the Waihapa Curves, just north of Taumarunui, $550,000 worth of construction work at Tatu Flats on State Highway 43, and $35 for investigation of seal extension on Paparata Saddle.