1.05. In September, Messrs. Freeman Fox and Partners were appointed to undertake further and more detailed investigations into all aspects of the Underground Railway project in the light of revised population forecasts. These investigations included revised traffic studies and assessment of alternative routes and fare structures from those recommended in the Consultants Mass Transit Report; a complete and detailed review of all construction methods, rolling stock, equipment and station layout and design; and more precise estimates of construction costs, private land required and resumption costs. In addition, a comprehensive series of soil tests and analysis were carried out and route alignments were under constant review to meet day-to-day developments.
1.06. With the publication of the Long Term Road Study Report, and its acceptance by Government as a guide for P.W.D. planning, critical examination of the recommendations made were carried out before any were adopted for implementation.
1.07. The effect of the Urban Renewal, Underground Railway and Long Term Road Study proposals upon public and private development had to be assessed in detail as and when required. On average, 4 cases a week were considered to determine whether plans for the redevelopment of private property would frustrate the schemes and methods devised whereby the development could proceed. In no case during the year was it necessary to stop any development, although in one or two cases major modifications to foundation layouts were necessary.
1.08. During the year, approval was obtained to extend the water resources survey studies. Investigations continued into the probable expansion of demand and the regulated yields for all existing and proposed developments, including the catchments associated with the proposed High Island Scheme. Satisfactory progress was made on a study of the future demand for water and the further development of resources. This includes the economics of a low-use factor desalting plant to complement existing and planned resources and large-scale, high-use factor desalting plants to meet future needs, possibly in conjunction with the generation of electricity for the Power Companies using a nuclear reactor.
1.09. Proposals for the re-organization of the Civil Engineering Office into two offices, namely, the Civil Engineering Office and the Highways Office, were implemented during the year.
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