HIGHWAYS TO TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 7, 27 February 1952, Page 4

HIGHWAYS TO TAUPO

Users of the highway from Taupo to Rotorua have noted with appreciation the progressive improvement of the road surface. On present indications it should not be very long before the entire length of this stretch of highway is paved, making transport work both pleasant and speedier. This instalment no doubt is par»t of a general plan to improve all highways into Taupo. Parts of the route in from Putaruru have been sealed, but a considerable iength of the road surface still leaves much to be desired. It may be that further improvement work is dependent upon what is to be done about the section of road which includes the Atiamuri Gorge and the one-car bridge that spans the Waikato River at this ooint. As part of the general hydro-' electric scheme along the course of the Waikato river the Atiamuri Gorge will be converted into a lake, involving the disappearance of this section of road, the bridge and various buildings nearby. That will mean the constitution of a new sector of road to link up the broken ends of the existing highway. It is probable that for some time during the progress of the hydro-electric works at Atiamuri road transport from Taupo into the Waikato may have to be diverted via Rotorua. The additional mileage involved should be compensated by the general improvement of the Rotorua highway now in progress. At the same time, the road from Taupo to Putaruru is of vital importance to Taujbo, and the fact should not be overlooked by the Minstry of Works. With regard to the present condition of the highways south from Taupo to Waiouru, and south-east from Taupo to Napier, a fairly extensive programme of road surfacing remains to be done before these can be satisfactory. That is especially the case with the section of road from the Hatepe Hill on to the Chateau Tongariro. This sector inlcudes some rough going, and an antiquated river bridge diagonally sited at a dangerous angle from the point of view of road safety. With the opening up of regular road services from Taupo to Wellington, it is highfy desirable that road improvement works on this sector should be systematically and energetically pushed ahead. Whatever may be the reason, the evidence at present points to a somewhat patchwork policy.