Traffic hazard

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 8, 24 July 1984, Page 1

Traffic hazard

Grave concern was expressed by the Ohakune Borough Council at the "very real prospect' of a serious accident occurring in the vicinity of Railway Bridge 169 over the Ohakune Mountain Road if something was not done to remedy the situation immediately. "Traffic up to the Turoa Skifield had been comparatively light so far with the first two days of midweek skiing underway but if the contractors, who were working on the replacement of Bridge 169, did not do something to make access easier for the much heavier traffic flow expected at the weekend there could be a serious problem," said Cr. Mike Wiggins at last Thyrsday's meeting of the Ohakune Borough Council. It was pointed out that

even though the contractors were employed by New Zealand Railways and the M.O.W. the ultimate responsibility for the safety and use of the road was the Borough Council's. An overiding consideration must be given to users of the road and the Borough would be liable for any accident that occurred. More adequate signposting and perhaps a oneway system of up-and-down traffic (via Bridge 168) was suggested as a possible remedy. Council decided to send an urgent letter to N.Z.R., M.O.W., the contractors (J.C. and C.P. Ferguson Ltd of Auckland) and the Waimarino County Council about the potential danger of this section of road during construction work.