National Roads' Board visits region

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 1, 28 May 1985, Page 32

National Roads' Board visits region

The National Roads' Board should provide extra money because of the toll tourism and forestry is taking on the Ruapehu region's roads, according to the Ohakune, Raetihi and Waimarino Councils.

The three councils asked National Roads' Board members for increased funding when they visited the area of Wednesday. The Board heard submissions from the three councils and were taken on a tour of the region's roads to see what development had taken place since its last visit in 1980. Putting a case for increased funding, Mayor of Ohakune, Mr Bill Taylor said, "The roads take a poundingfrom the increased traffic during the ski season.

"Figures released show that the south western slopes of Mt. Ruapehu experienced in excess of 200,000 visitors during the 1984 winter season," he said. The Mountain Road was closely examined by the Board on Wednesday along with the Raetihi-Pipiriki Road. Waimarino County Council chairman Mr Bruce Berry said that with the possible advent of National Park status for the Wanganui River region, tourism had taken a step forward which was

reflected in road usage, particularly the Pipiriki-Raetihi section. The county has uplifted development roading funds to upgrade the road to Waipuna turnoff, a Section of about 8km. It is also applying for NRB finance and in total will spend $540,000 in four' years in ari attempt to upgrade this section. The increased use by logging trucks from the Winstone's forestry development was also of concern. With the heavy volume increase in tourist traffic the county had a problem that was increasing in pressure and was difficult to overcome, he said. Deputy Mayor of Raetihi, Mr John Compton, told the Board that kerb and channel work was important along with property drainage, which was poor in many areas of the borough. Another major concern in the borough was the state of the Seddon Street carriageway, he said. NRB assistant director of roading, Mr Robin Dunlop, said the maintenance of existing roads was also important. "Roads must be maintained even if they aren't kerbed or channelled," he said.

But he told the council representatives, "Don't be frightened to put in an application for construction money just for kerb and channel work. If you put it in it might just draw a marble."