ROADS OFFICE
WORKS SECTION
Chief Engineer (Acting),
W. T. KNIGHT, A.M.I.C.E., A.M.I.Mun.E., M.Inst.Q.
Assistant Chief Engineers,
B. W. JAMES, B.Sc. (Eng.), A.M.I.C.E.
W. C. BELL, A.M.I.C.E.
GENERAL
246. The severe rainstorms in May and Typhoon 'Mary' in June caused extensive damage to the Colony's roads, interrupted new construction and delayed re-surfacing. Several bridges in the New Territories sustained severe scouring to the abutments and piers and damage to wing-walls.
247. In addition to 9 miles of new construction, works included the reconstruction of 18 miles, the surfacing or resurfacing in bituminous carpet of 70 miles and the surface dressing of 25 miles of existing roads.
248. One feature of reconstruction work was the provision, wherever practicable, of central dividing strips with ornamental fencing to prevent indiscriminate 'U' turns and 'jay' walking. The policy continued of providing, whenever possible, for heavier pavements, better drainage, and for improved widths, alignments and superelevation of carriageways.
249. The Barber-Greene Paver-Finisher, which had arrived not long before the beginning of the year, had a notable effect upon the output and quality of resurfacing with bituminous carpets. This was reflected not only in the increased mileage of roads so treated, but in the increased demand for bituminous mixes from the quarries.
250. The following expenditure was incurred:
(1) New Roads $12,374,000 (2) Reconstruction & Improvements $11,205,000 (3) Maintenance $5,278,000 (4) Storm Damage $2,148,000 $31,005,000Total expenditure was about $2 million less than for the previous year due largely to less storm damage, the cost of which was charged to (1) and (2) above in respect of work in progress, while minor repairs were included in (3), the figure against (4) covering only the more exceptional items.
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