The Westfield Deviation.

The deviation of the Main South line to a low level route 9 ¼ miles in length between Auckland and Westfield has page 26 been closely associated with the work in Auckland yard, and has a very important bearing on the general layout.

The surveys and plans for the deviation were initiated by the Railway Department.

The Site of Auckland's First Station, About 1874.
Mechanic's Bay, Auckland, shewing the railway station and Fort Britomart on the far side of the bay.

but the main construction work (which includes a number of substantial bridges and a double track tunnel 30 chains in length) has been in the hands of the Public Works Department.

While this new loop line is somewhat longer than the old route via Newmarket and Remuera, it has great advantages in the matter of elevation and grades. Whereas the highest point in the new line is only 78ft., and the limiting grade 1 in 132, the highest point in the old line is 265ft., with approaching grades in each direction of 1 in 41. The new low level line comes into full use with the opening of the new station. It not only provides an improved rail outlet from Auckland, but makes contact with some fine residential areas capable of carrying a large suburban population in the future.

Another project also closely associated with the work under review was the construction of a northern outlet under the city, making connection with the North Auckland line at Morningside.

Present traffic conditions, however, do not justify this proposal, which would involve heavy expenditure.