THE SHANNON BRIDGE.

Shannon News, 20 May 1927, Page 3

THE SHANNON BRIDGE.

SITE OF APPROACH ROAD. For some time past there has been an agitation afoot to have the route of the approach road to the meAv ShannonFoxton bridge, viz. No. 3 route, Avhick is from the corner of Johnston street and the Foxton road, at the south end of the borough, and Avhich Avas approved of by the' Main HighAvavs Board’s engineers, dropped in favour of the No. 1 route, Avhich is from the Palmerston road and raihvay line on the north side of Shannon. The Horo whenua County Council, owing to the differences of opinion, asked the. Department to review the Avhole position in regard to the approach road to the bridge site, Avith the result that yesterday Messrs Ronayne, Woods and Littlejohn, engineers of the Public Works Department, made an*inspection of the three routes, the result of which will be reported to the Main Highways Board immediately. Prior to the engineers leaving on tlic-ir tour of inspection, they discussed the matter Avith the Mayor of Shannon (Mr Butt), and Crs. Gunning, Thwaites, Hyde and J. Curran junr., at the Council Chambers, - when the representatives of the Borough entered a strong protest against the suggested alteration in the route; pointing out that it Avas essential that Shannon should have a direct route to Foxton. Either routes two or three. Avere suitable to Shannon, but they took strong exception to route No. 1 being approA’ed of. In regard to No. 3 route, Avhere about 36 chains of road Avould ha\*e to be built up, Cr. Gunning stated that he Avas authorised to inform them that the necessary filling could be obtained close to the bridge free of cost.

. Mr Woods said the Department had not been approached in Avriting to depart from the No. 3 route and it Avould / be adopted, unless during their inspection they could see any good reason for altering ,their decision. The route had got to ‘ be definitely decided immediately, as otherAvise the Avork Avould be held up. Their decision . \vould be forAvarded to the IlighAvays Board for their approval. The Mayor thanked the Engineers for meeting the Council, after Avhich they AvithdreAV. \